This article looks at Zoroastrian wedding rituals.
Last updated 2009-10-02
This article looks at Zoroastrian wedding rituals.
A Parsi wedding ceremony ©
There are two stages to a Zoroastrian wedding, whether Parsi or Persian.
In the first stage the bride and bridegroom, as well as their guardians sign a marriage contract. The second stage is the service followed by feasts and the celebrations, which traditionally last from 3 to 7 days.
A cord is tied around the bride and groom's hands ©
During the service married female relatives hold a fine scarf (nowadays usually white) over the couple's heads. At the same time two crystallized sugar cones are rubbed together, to sweeten the couple's life.
Then two parts of the scarf are sewn together with needle and thread to symbolize the uniting of the couple for the rest of their lives.
Traditionally, both bride and the bridegroom dress in white. The colour white is a symbol of purity in Zoroastrianism.