Wedding Traditions: A Detailed Exploration

The Mahr is the financial obligation incumbent upon the husband, specified in the contract, that belongs entirely to the bride and is often recited during the ceremony. In Iran, the Mahr is traditionally specified in gold coins (Bahar-e Azadi) and is often demanded by the family as a financial safeguard for the wife in the event of divorce or the husband's death, reflecting the Shi'a legal tradition's emphasis on women's financial independence and security. This is distinct from the Jahizieh, or the bridal trousseau, which is the collection of household goods and furniture traditionally provided by the bride's family, signaling their ability to equip the new household, though this cultural practice varies widely based on regional customs and economic means.