Aghd

/ agh-d / — Persian / Arabic

What Is a Aghd?

The Aghd (عقد) is the legal and religious marriage ceremony in Persian tradition, distinct from the celebration (Jashn or reception) that follows. During the Aghd, the couple sits before the Sofreh Aghd with their witnesses while a cleric or officiant leads the ceremony. The bride traditionally says 'yes' only after being asked three times (a playful tradition symbolizing her independence), and the couple's signed marriage contract ('Aqd-nameh' or 'Siqeh') is the legal record of the union. A scarf or veil is held over the couple's heads while two happily married women grind sugar cones together to shower sweetness upon the couple.

The Aghd in Modern Weddings

In Persian diaspora weddings, the Aghd often takes place at a separate time from the reception — sometimes at home with close family, sometimes as the opening ceremony before a large reception. Many modern Persian-American couples blend the Aghd's most meaningful rituals into a Western-style ceremony format that guests of all backgrounds can appreciate.