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About the Sofreh Aghd

The sofreh aghd is a traditional wedding ceremony spread where legal marriage and ceremonial traditions are exchanged. The ceremonial traditions have been practiced for thousands of years and sofreh aghd spreads are usually very customary at Persian weddings. Like most, Iranians have diverse religious backgrounds and the sofreh aghd is a chosen cultural ceremony commonly practiced regardless of faith. There are many symbolic items in which make up the sofreh aghd spread, all in which represent an element of the couple’s new life and marriage together. The word “sofreh” means “spread” and “aghd” means “ceremony”.

While most aim to keep the traditional elements of the sofreh design, each sofreh is unique in its own and designed around the bride and groom’s style. Every sofreh aghd design has traditional must haves, however based on the taste and budget of the couple some sofreh designs are more elaborate and intricate than others and some may be more simple and understated than others.

Below is a visual guideline and list of some of the traditional pretties that make up the sofreh aghd:

Pretty Please Design Sofreh Aghd Illustration

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|| AYEENEH {Mirror} ||
Represents bringing light + brightness into the future for the married couple. Traditionally the couple look into the mirror together.

|| SHAMDOON {Candles/candelabras} ||
Symbolize energy + clarity in the couple’s life together.

|| KHONCHEH {Assortment of seven symbolic herbs + spices} ||
An assortment of herbs + spices are placed on the spread to guard against the evil eye. The seven herbs + spices include: poppy seeds “khash-khaash”, wild rice “berenj”, angelica “sabzi khoshk”, salt “namak”, nigella seeds “raziyaneh”, black tea “chai” + frankincense “kondor”.

|| NOON SANGAK {Flatbread} ||
A decorative display of flatbread “noon-eh-sangak” symbolizes prosperity for the feasts + couple’s life together. It can be accompanied with feta cheese “noon-o-panir” + fresh herbs.

|| TOKHMEH MORGH {Eggs} ||
Represent fertility for the couple.

|| BADOOM, GANDOM, o GERDOO {Almond, walnut, + hazelnut} ||
Also symbolize fertility + abundance.

|| MEEVEH {Seasonal fruits} ||
Usually pomegranates + apples. They represent a joyous future.|| SHAHKHEH NABAT {Rock candy} ||
Prettified to symbolize a sweetened life for the newlyweds.

|| SEKKEH {Coins} ||
Are place on the sofreh spread to represent wealth + prosperity for the couple.

|| ASAL {Honey} ||
Consumed right as the ceremony is going to conclude. The bride + groom exchange hands (usually with the pinky) dipped in the honey + shared off the hand to represent sweetness for the couple’s life.

|| GOLAAB {Rose water} ||
Is used to perfume the air.

|| HOLY BOOK OF CHOICE {Koran, Bible or a book of poetry such as Hafez} ||
Placed on the sofreh aghd to symbolize God’s blessing for the couple. The book is usually opened from the middle + placed on the spread in front of the couple as a symbol of faith.

|| SHEEREENI {Sweets + pastries} ||
Are placed on the sofreh aghd + to be shared with the guests after the ceremony concludes. Sheereeni symbolizes the sweetness of life.

|| TOOREH GHAND {Sugar cloth} ||
A fine fabric which is held over the couple’s head throughout the ceremony by various happily married female relatives + friends.

|| KALEH GHAND {Sugar cones} ||
Is used during the ceremony over the couple’s head. Happily married woman rub the sugar cones together over the “ghand cloth” while held over the couple’s head to shower their life + marriage with sweetness.

|| ESFAND {Wild rue} ||
Is an herb which is burned as part of a ritual (in the coal brazier) + tradition for purification. It doesn’t always have to be burned + can be used as decorative display.

|| SOOZAN NAKH {Needle + thread} ||
Symbolizes the ritual of two people becoming one. Symbolizes two families becoming one.

|| MANGHAL {A coal brazier} ||
Is used to burn wild rue (esphand) to drive away negativity + anything evil.

|| TRADITIONAL PERSIAN EMBROIDERED CLOTH {Termeh} ||
A traditional Persian silk or embroidered cloth handed down from generation to generation to symbolize family + tradition. It is used as a decorative display amongst the rest of the traditional items.

|| SOFREH OVERLAY {Ceremonial cloth} ||
Is the spread used under all of the traditional sofreh items.

|| MOKHADDEH {Bride + groom’s seating} ||
Usually stools or some sort of cushion seating for the bride + groom to sit on during the ceremony exchange.

parisakaprealian

LIFESTYLE + DESIGN
Purveyor of pretty + everything in between👇🏼
Founder: @prettypleasehome @prettypleasedesignbyparisa
Persian born in 🇺🇸 | 📍CA

PARISA | Pretty Please Design
Happy Easter from my family to yours 🤍 Happy Easter from my family to yours 🤍
Easter ready with @bambinifashion 🥕🤍 🍋🍊
Thank you guys for all the love on my last few pos Thank you guys for all the love on my last few posts for my daughter’s Barbie birthday. Shared some of the decor details over on my @prettypleasedesignbyparisa page 🎀💗🌸 

CREATIVE LOVE LIST
Planning + Design: @parisakaprealian @prettypleasedesignbyparisa 
Photography: @faye.gedik.photo 
Backdrops + Balloons: @backdropsbycaroline 
Floral Design: @alinafiore @alinafioreflorist 
Cake: @belladonnasweets 
Cookies: @atelierchristine 
Tables + chairs: @mikasaeventrentals
Specialty table linens: @bbj_latavola 
Face painting: @pro.facepainting 
Plate decals: @thebleudahlia 
Barbie utensils: @jencardsboutique 
 

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#prettypleasedesign #mydaughtersbirthday #seventhbirthday #barbiebirthday #eventdesign #comeonbarbieletsgoparty
I love designing parties but designing my own chil I love designing parties but designing my own children’s parties are something else. After all, their birthdays are the best day of my life! 🎀 

On a side note: My sweet Milan was just fine after this photo. He was in the middle of his fun and we pulled him away for a quick photo. The struggle to get a family photo (with everyone’s eyes open} is real 💗

CREATIVE LOVE LIST
Styling + Design: @parisakaprealian @prettypleasedesignbyparisa 
Balloon + Backdrop: @backdropsbycaroline 
Cake: @belladonnasweets 
Florals: @alinafiore 
Photography: @faye.gedik.photo
Face painting: @pro.facepainting @craft_.and._play
My Bay Area best friend came to town. I love you S My Bay Area best friend came to town. I love you Sheida! Had the best few hours with you.🤍 @sheivakili
I haven't danced as much as I did last night! What I haven't danced as much as I did last night! What a beautiful and whimsical evening celebrating @leylamilani birthday. Thank you for having us. ❤️ 

@mona_sajaddi @everything_rosy @nedamehrmd
With not enough weekends to celebrate in the month With not enough weekends to celebrate in the month of March, I decided to celebrate my son’s 5th birthday after school with all of his adorable classmates. He had a BLAST! I wish I could hold onto these days and years much tighter because they are flying by 🌪🤍 #iloveyoumilan 

- will share more detail shots over on my @prettypleasedesignbyparisa page later. 

Planning + Design: @prettypleasedesignbyparisa 
Balloon Styling + Design: @backdropsbycaroline 
Cake: @belladonnasweets 
Marquee Letters: @alphalitorangecounty 
Photographer: @faye.gedik.photo 
Venue: @defy_orangecounty
March, you have been a big, beautiful blur. Happy March, you have been a big, beautiful blur. Happy Norooz from my family to yours 💙 

Haftseen Design: yours truly 
Floral Design: @alinafiore 
Norooz pastries: @maisondelafork 

#prettypleasedesign #persiannewyear #iraniannewyear #norooz #nowrooz #norouz #haftseen #haftsin #springequinox #1401
HAPPY NOROOZ! 1401 {Iranian New Year} 🇮🇷 Ha HAPPY NOROOZ! 1401 {Iranian New Year} 🇮🇷

Haftseen Styling + Design: yours truly 
Floral Design: @alinafiore

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#prettypleasedesign #persiannewyear #iraniannewyear #norooz #nowrooz #norouz #haftseen #haftsin #springequinox #1401
You guys know my love for Norooz {Iranian New Year You guys know my love for Norooz {Iranian New Year} runs deep. I’m excited to share that next year I am going to have a collection of decorative items available for purchase as an extension / category of my @prettypleasehome shop. Yay! 

While I am not ready to launch this year, I am open to your feedback while I build and curate my line of Haft-Seen decor for YOUR home. 

Thank you to so many of you for your support, encouragement and kind words always. Love, Parisa 🤍

Haftseen Styling + Design: @parisakaprealian @prettypleasehome 
Floral Design: @alinafiore 
Norooz Pastries: @maisondelafork 
Photography: @irmalomidze @irmalomidze.fam
Had the pleasure to be a part of Norooz {Iranian N Had the pleasure to be a part of Norooz {Iranian New Year} for one of the most beautiful families (@tinasadri and @drehsansadri) I am lucky to call friends. 

If you are unfamiliar with Norooz {Persian / Iranian New Year}, Norooz in its literal translation means New Day – “No” means New and “Rooz” means Day. It is observed based on the Persian calendar and it is an ancient and traditional celebration of the beginning of Spring marking the first day of Spring as the first day of the new year. 

The way Iranian’s prepare for the arrival of Norooz is by setting and prettifying a table spread (also known as a Sofreh Haft-Seen) with symbolic and traditional items that represent many elements in our life and new year to come. Seven specific items are placed on the spread that start with the letter “S” or to be more specific the Persian letter “Seen”. Haft-Seen in its literal translation means 7 (Haft) seens. 7 “S’s”. 🇮🇷

{SABZEH} wheat or lentil sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizing growth and renewal
{SAMANOO} a sweet pudding made from wheat germ – symbolizing wealth
{SENJED} the dried fruit of the oleaster tree – symbolizing love
{SEER} garlic – symbolizing medicine
{SEEB} apples – symbolizing beauty and health
{SERKEH} vinegar – symbolizing age and patience
{SEKKEH} coins – prosperity and wealth
{SONBOL} hyacinth flower – symbolizing the start of spring
{SOMAGH} sumac – symbolizing the sunrise and sunset

{Other items that are used on the spread that don’t start with the letter “S”}

Mirror and lit candles – symbolizing self reflection, enlightenment and happiness
Decorated eggs – symbolizing fertility and family 
A bowl with goldfish – symbolizing life
Holy book {depending on faith} – symbolizing God’s blessing
Traditional pastries, nuts, and dried fruits – symbolizing food and feasts

{s w i p e left for all the details} 

Haftseen Styling + Design: @parisakaprealian @prettypleasehome 
Floral Design: @alinafiore 
Norooz pastries: @maisondelafork 
Photography: @irmalomidze @irmalomidze.fam 

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#prettypleasedesign #persiannewyear #iraniannewyear #norooz #nowrooz #norouz #haftseen #haftsin #springequinox #1401
Living my NOROOZ {Iranian New Year} dreams with @s Living my NOROOZ {Iranian New Year} dreams with @shallyzomorodi @alinafiore @alinafioreflorist @diana.m.barker. Yesterday I had the pleasure of collaborating on designing a Haft-Seen {traditional and symbolic Iranian New Year spread} LIVE in Shally joon’s beautiful home. We danced, we loved, and we lived in the moment. A day for the books. 🤍🇮🇷

#prettypleasedesign #prettypleasehome #norooz #norouz #iraniannewyear #persiannewyear #culturalcelebration
#partner I have been ecstatic with my results with #partner I have been ecstatic with my results with @hairtamins NEW @bloatamin which has greatly helped target food related bloating and optimize the function of my digestive system. 

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Preserving cultural traditions is a passion we hav Preserving cultural traditions is a passion we have in common. 🇮🇷 Please join @shallyzomorodi and I on Thursday March 3rd at 4PM LIVE on Instagram as we talk and design all things Sofreh Haftseen {Iranian New Year spread}. 

Norooz {Iranian New Year} will be here before we know it and I am going to curate and link a collection of items you guys can start purchasing now that could be pretty for your own Sofreh Haftseen. 

We are really looking forward to this LIVE. Drop a comment below if there is anything in particular you would like to see. 👇🏼

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#prettypleasedesign #norooz #norouz #nowruz #haftseen #haftsin #iranianhaftseen #iranianculture #culture #tradition #symbolism #firstdayofspring #springequinox
Love you to the beach and back 🌊 Love you to the beach and back 🌊
My boys. My men. My loves. 🤍 #myhusband #myson My boys. My men. My loves. 🤍 #myhusband #myson #thisislove #christmaseve
All I want for Christmas is that @hairtamin long, All I want for Christmas is that @hairtamin long, strong and healthy hair!!🥰 I had so much success with their Gummy Stars, I decided to try their ✨NEW ✨ Scalp Serum that’s clinically proven to encourage hair growth and scalp health. Made with Biotion, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Vitamin E and more what’s not to love?!🌟 

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Milan wanted to share that he can keep up with his Milan wanted to share that he can keep up with his sister 🇺🇸 🇮🇷 🎶 

“YE TOOP DARAM”

Ye toop daram ghel gheliye 
Sorkh o sefeed o abiye 
Mizanam zameen hava meere 
Nemidooni ta koja meere! 
Man in toopo nadashtam 
Mashghamo khoob neveshtam 
Babam behem eydi dad
Ye tope ghel gheli dad! 

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#iranian #persian #iranianamerican #bilingualkids #trilingualkids #culture #tradition #family #motherhood #languagelearning #languageispower #proudmom #myson
Absolutely loved watching my beautiful girl sing a Absolutely loved watching my beautiful girl sing at her school’s holiday performance 🌟
Such a beautiful day celebrating the most beautifu Such a beautiful day celebrating the most beautiful mommy-to-be🤍 @parto.khalili
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