Doves are a symbol of love in Iran. Some families like to free a few pigeons from a cage after the wedding ceremony to signify freedom and love.

At that time the bride sat on the floor in front of a “Sofreh Aghd” (a cloth spread on the floor to hold ceremonial objects). She holds a Qur’an, and reads from selected parts, Usef (the story of Joseph and Mary) or Yasin (the wisdom of God).

The groom stood by his father or his uncles who were considered elders of his family. At that time, men respected their elders’ advice, specifically in the case of marriage.

The Iranian wedding ceremony is called “wedding under the sugar rain” because during the ceremony a piece of delicate, white fabric, decorated with pearls or embroidery, is held over the bride while members of family grind two sugary lumps together gently.

Very young girls (usually nieces of the bride or groom) have a role in wedding ceremony. They are dressed up as beautifully as the bride. They usually hold the wedding rings until the exchange, or they may distribute flowers.

The ceremony is performed by a religious leader dressed with a turban (Ammameh) and robe (Aba). He officiates the wedding ceremony along with a secretary who carries the legal books used for registration.

The secretary of the leader is listening to the leader performing the ceremony.

Holding the fabric over the bride.

An old, respected, and religious lady is reading the Qur’an and praying for the couple; wishing them luck and happiness.

The Qur’an is written in Arabic and therefore all Muslims are supposed to learn Arabic. Muslims from all denominations are supposed to pray in Arabic, too.

A mirror and two candle holders in the middle are the major ceremonial objects. These things are provided by the groom as gifts to the bride.

Mohr (carved clay) and Tasbeeh (like a rosary, 99 beads) over two rectangular pieces of fabric that are used for praying. They are a part of daily prayer as well.

Arranging wedding ceremony culturally and traditionally requires specific tools, but the talent of the organizer is important for the way that things are arranged. In some ceremonies, pigeons, their nest, and their eggs could used. The number of eggs is a sign for the number of groom’s and bride’s sister&rsquos and brother’s.

Bread, cheese, and herbs (basil, mint, chives, parsley, and tarkan), and a bowl made of rock-sugar are some of the things which should be on the sofreh. Guests may make small sandwiches out of the food and herbs.

The pigeons are a reminder of love and peace.