Welcome to this week's episode of the series "Iranian Family". In the divine religion of Islam, establishment of a family is an act, based on mankind's innate nature.

We have seen numerous well-known men and women, who have played fundamental roles in the health and redemption of mankind, and who have highly contributed to profound social developments. When we observe them, we come to realize that they have been brought up by faithful mothers and responsible fathers; thereby recognizing the paramount importance of the foundation of family, more than ever.

Establishment of family in the view of divine religion of Islam, is an act based on mankind's innate nature. In fact, one of the advantages of the divine religion of Islam is that its rules and regulations are based on the innate nature of mankind. Some imagine that the form and shape of any given community changes in every era. However, the truth is that mankind in 21^st Century is the same as his ancestors in previous centuries, when it comes to his innate nature, natural instincts and inclinations.

Whenever mankind distances from establishment of family, and social life, which are embedded in man's innate nature; he has in fact derailed from the laws of creation. The divine religion of Islam, based on a realism which is founded on understanding the true nature of mankind, introduces family as one of the divine signs and manifestations in human communities.

The importance of establishment of family and its status is to an extent that Holy Quran does not accept any excuse in refraining from marriage, including pretexts such as poverty and lack of financial means.

The 32^nd ayah of Surat al-Nur in Holy Quran notes: "Marry off those who are single among you and the upright among your male slaves and your female slaves. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them out of His grace, and Allah is all-bounteous, all-knowing."

Now, let's discuss wedding ceremonies in Iranian families.

Everything has been prepared for the marriage of two youths, creating a sense of happiness within them. These are the best moments of the lives of Iranian parents. whenever you ask Iranian parents about their important aspirations and wishes; their most significant wish is to see the marriage of their children. Iranian parents have enthusiastically prepared all the necessities for the wedding of their children, patiently awaiting their marriage. One of the significant traditions in the marriage of Iranians is the traditional Iranian tablecloths which are spread out during wedding ceremonies. Let's become familiar with some of the items, which are placed on these traditional tablecloths.

Mirror and candlesticks are two of the necessary items of traditional tablecloths spread out during weddings. The mirror is placed in front of the bride and groom, so that they would see each other in it, and that their feelings toward each other would always be pure and transparent like mirrors. Meanwhile, a pair of candlesticks are also placed on the two sides of this mirror. The lit candles manifest the warmth of the emotional bond established between the bride and the groom.

A volume of Holy Quran and a prayer mat are placed on these tablecloths. These are the manifestations of the divine approval of the strong emotional bond formed between the bride and the groom, and the prayer mat attests to the commitment of the bride and the groom to religious principles.

Sugar candies are placed in beautiful dishes, on the traditional Iranian tablecloths spread out during weddings, as a symbol of the sweetness of the couple's life.

Bread, cheese, and fresh vegetables are placed on wedding tablecloths to bless the life of the married couple.

Furthermore, a small cup of honey is included on this traditional tablecloth so that they would have a blessed and happy future.

Eggs are a symbol of reproduction and continuation of generations of mankind. The number of eggs placed on the wedding tablecloth depends on the views of individuals. Eggs are decorated with beautiful drawings.

Coins placed on the traditional wedding tablecloths are the symbol of a boost in the earnings and livelihood of the bride and the groom.

Colorful fruits, such as red apples, and pomegranates included among the items of these tablecloths symbolize the grant of all divine blessings to the married couple.

Meanwhile, the presence of fresh bunches of flowers grant further beauty to the traditional Iranian tablecloths spread out during weddings.

The emotional bond established among spouses is one of the divine and sacred manifestations, which leads to the reinforcement of the faith of individuals in God Almighty.

One of the factors, which highly contributes to the establishment of a healthy atmosphere within families, is the terms of verbal and non-verbal communications among couples. In the meantime, verbal communication plays the most influential role in this regard. Treating one's spouse with respect throughout verbal communications is of paramount importance.

MR/ME