Weddings have had different customs in each city from the past to the present. The wedding tradition of the people of the North is one of the most beautiful and ancient customs of the northern region. To learn more about this tradition, stay with Saeed News.
Each society has its own unique and sometimes strange customs, and our country is no exception. Especially in Iran, these customs are more prevalent than anywhere else in the world. These customs can be both interesting and fascinating, and they can also be unusual. Northern Iran has its own special customs, which we will explain in this article and introduce to you. The customs of "Aroos Baran" (bride procession) and "Naranj Zani" (throwing oranges) are among them.
Aroos Baran refers to the tradition of taking the bride to the groom’s house. Before dressing the bride, she is accompanied by her relatives and neighbors towards the groom's house, and they are greeted with clapping, local music, and drumbeats. During the procession (in the passage to the groom's house, in the alley or streets), the bride is seated on a clean chair or stool at several locations. From the windows of houses overlooking the street or path the bride is passing, people throw sweets, rice, flowers, and money over the bride. The bride walks with measured and short steps. Ahead of the bride, they carry a mirror and a lit lamp. Alongside her, her brother or sister walks, followed by other attendants of the bride and groom. The musician plays, and the people celebrate, clapping. When the bride and her entourage arrive at the groom's house, the groom, dressed neatly, comes to meet the bride.
Sometimes, as a symbolic gesture, a cooked chicken is wrapped in bread and thrown toward the bride. People behind the bride catch the chicken and gradually move closer to her. Then, they pour sweets on the bride’s head (in the air), and the ceremony continues, with some people even accompanying the bride to the house. In the groom's yard, musicians play, and young girls in traditional clothes dance the "Ketra" or "Malaqe" dance. They sprinkle rice, sweets, and money over the bride and groom's heads, and children and women collect the money as a blessing. This is how the Aroos Baran ceremony is held in Iran.
In this custom, during the wedding ceremony, the groom first goes to meet the bride with coins and sweets. Once the groom gets close to the bride's house, he symbolically throws an orange or a tangerine toward the bride. After this, the bride and groom circle a well. As part of the Naranj Zani tradition, after circling the well, the bride throws a coin into the well, wishing for good luck and a prosperous future. This marks the end of the Naranj Zani ritual. However, this beautiful tradition has a long history in this land.
Weddings are held over two days. On the second day, a piece of bread is tied to the bride’s waist. In some northern regions, it is customary that in the evening of the wedding day, the groom decorates a horse and, accompanied by his family, goes to meet the bride. When they reach the bride’s residence, they are greeted with sweets and drinks. Then, the bride’s brother or father ties a piece of bread with a white or green scarf around the bride’s waist. This is done with the hope that their first child will be a boy. The bread, representing prosperity, and cheese, symbolizing nourishment, are important symbols. Additionally, this custom was practical, ensuring that the groom would have something to eat during the night, preventing him from being hungry until morning.
Final Thoughts
The indigenous cultures of Iran exist in every corner of this land, reflecting the people's belief in these customs and traditions. The customs of the Iranian people are captivating and worth observing, drawing the attention of many.
