Wedding Traditions by CyperusGreetings.com

Afghan wedding celebrations are traditionally large events occurring in the evening and lasting until the early hours of the morning with much dancing and eating occurring. When the bride enters the room she is flanked by an entourage of ladies who are dressed just as regally as the bride. The event is similar to that of a queen entering the room as everyone stands and admires the bride. For good luck and happiness the Koran is passed over their heads and henna is painted on their palms.

The whole community is involved at Yemen weddings and music plays and important role of any wedding reception. A traditional wedding custom called “gladdening the bride”, involves professional musicians and guests playing music at the reception. On the wedding day, all the women of the bride’s family help prepare the feast for the wedding reception.

Traditionally at Iranian weddings the groom would buy the ceremonial wedding dress for the bride. The gown would consist of ten feet of sheeting which he would wrap around his future wife. To bring the couple good luck, sugar is sprinkled onto the heads of the newly married couple.

Persian weddings have two main ingredients first the actual ceremony called the “Aghad” and then a lavish reception called“Jashn-e Aroosi” which can last between 3 to 7 days. The Aghad normally takes place at the bride’s parent’s house. Placed on a table is a mirror (the mirror of fate) and two candelabras, one on each side of the mirror. The mirror and candelabras are a symbol of light and fire, which are two very important elements in the Zoroastrian culture.

The Egyptian’s were the first people to state marriage laws in the world, the laws stated marriage as a civil and legal relationship. Many weddings are still prearranged and the tradition of the groom’s family proposing to the bride is still performed. At the ceremony before the vows are exchanged a musical march called the “Zaffa” is performed. The march involves belly dancers, horns, drums and performers with swords.