Traditions to Know

Question

Sugar Rubbing Ceremony

Answer

There are several beautiful and meaningful rituals that take place during a Persian wedding ceremony. One of these is the Sugar Rubbing ritual that involves several well-wishing women spreading sweetness in the couple’s life and marriage. During the Sugar Ceremony, the couple will be seated, and women are called forth to spread a Cloth of Unity over their heads. Sometimes two women hold the opposite sides of the cloth, and at times, four women can hold each corner of the cloth. A single lady will come up (in this case Roya Zakeri), and rub together large cones made of hard sugar, to sprinkle sweetness onto the cloth held overhead. Another interpretation of this custom is that each sugar cone represents the bride and the groom and this act is in the hopes that every contact between them will result in sweetness. This will be performed and prepared by Max's aunt, Dr. Bita Zakeri.

Question

Lasso Ceremony "El Lazo"

Answer

The Wedding Lasso Tradition, or lazo de boda, is a popular Latino unity ceremony symbolizing a couple’s infinite love, faith, and new beginning in marriage. The ritual usually follows the wedding vows as a visual symbol of these spoken promises. During the ceremony, the happy couple faces each other while a long rope is placed around their shoulders, crossing or tied in the middle to form an infinity symbol (or endless loop) and represents the couple’s eternal love and unbreakable bond. This will be performed by Maggie's grandparents, Enique and Martita Espinosa, alongside a prayer and blessing for the newlyweds.

Question

Money Dance "Raghs-e Puli" or "El Balie Del Billete"

Answer

In Persian traditions, the bride walks around and does a dance in which the wedding guests pin money to her dress to assist with setting up a household. In Mexican traditions, the same is done for the groom; he will walk around and greet guests while they pin money to his dress shirt. Feel free to bring petty cash to participate!