Saed News: Get to Know *Qand Shekani*, One of the Authentic Traditions of Iranian Weddings Learn about the meaning, history, customs, and sugarloaf (kalleh qand) decorations in different cities—and discover how this unique ceremony is performed.
Saed News Lifestyle Section – Traditions & Customs:
The Qand Shekani Ceremony – Meaning, History, Rituals, and Sugarloaf Decoration in Iranian Marriage Culture
Qand Shekani, also known in some regions as Qand Sindirma, is a cherished and time-honored tradition in Iranian wedding culture, rooted in ancient beliefs. It symbolizes sweetness and prosperity at the beginning of a couple’s life together and is held with specific customs in different regions of Iran. In this article, you'll become familiar with the meaning, history, regional variations, steps of the ceremony, and key points for decorating the sugarloaf (kalleh qand).
Qand Shekani is a pre-wedding ceremony usually held before the official marriage contract (Aghd) or after the engagement. The groom's family, along with respected elders, visits the bride’s home. After agreeing on the dowry, bride price, and other marital terms, a decorated sugarloaf is ceremoniously broken by a family member. The act of breaking the sugar symbolizes sweet beginnings and the couple’s future happiness.
The tradition of Qand Shekani dates back to Zoroastrian rituals, where sugar represented sweetness, love, and blessings. By breaking the sugar, it was believed that positive energies would enter the couple’s life and ward off negativity. In ancient times, sugar wasn’t just eaten—it was also scattered in celebrations to bring joy, a concept that continues in this wedding custom.
🔶 Charborj (West Azerbaijan):
After the dowry agreement, the decorated sugarloaf is placed on a tray with a red cloth. An elder or young family member breaks it, and the sugar pieces are given to the bride's mother to be used later during the Aghd ceremony, where they’re rubbed over the couple’s heads.
🔶 Savadkuh (Mazandaran) – Areh-Sari:
One or two nights after the proposal, the groom’s family brings the sugarloaf and a cloth to the bride’s home. After the temporary marriage contract (Sigheh) is read, the sugar is broken with a decorated hammer. The bride’s mother then gifts the sugar-breaker with cloth or socks.
🔶 Quchan (North Khorasan):
During the marriage contract, two sugarloaves are placed in front of the officiant. Once the vows are completed, the sugar is rubbed together and sprinkled over a white cloth held above the couple’s heads. The sweetened sugar is later used to make tea, which is served to guests.
Preparation
Large, intact sugarloaf
Decorated hammer
White cloth or tray
Flowers, ribbons, and lace for decoration
Inviting Guests
Elders and respected family members from both sides are invited as witnesses.
Agreement on Dowry and Conditions
Financial and legal marriage terms are written and signed by both parties.
Breaking the Sugarloaf
A well-regarded family member breaks the sugarloaf amidst prayers, joy, and sometimes live music or daf (traditional drum) playing.
Serving Refreshments
Guests are served sweet tea or in some areas, "two-tone tea."
Rubbing Sugar During the Marriage Contract
Pieces of the broken sugarloaf are rubbed over the couple’s heads as a symbolic “shower” of sweetness.
Choose a flawless sugarloaf to avoid crumbling during the ceremony.
Use cheerful colors like coral, gold, white, or green.
Decorate with Barbie dolls, fresh or artificial flowers, and delicate lace.
Match the hammer's decoration with the sugarloaf, using colored ribbons or embroidered cloth.
Ensure visual harmony and neatness between the sugarloaf and its hammer for an elegant presentation.
Qand Shekani is one of the most beautiful and symbolic rituals of Iranian weddings, blending joy, reverence, and spiritual meaning. It honors the link between ancestral traditions and modern-day beauty, reminding all that a sweet beginning sets the tone for a sweet journey ahead.
With thoughtful sugarloaf decorations, respectful execution, and observance of local customs, Qand Shekani can become one of the most unforgettable and cherished moments in a couple’s life.
