Series of Notes “May You Grow Old Together!” – The Bride and Her White Dress
Ebrahim Aslani
Psychologist and Family Counselor
Director of Branch 2, Nikoo School
Make no mistake, I do not intend to discuss the philosophy of the bride’s white dress or its fabric and tailoring. The white wedding dress has its own unique beauty, and it is commonly seen as a symbol of fortune and a representation of purity and spirituality in marital life. From what I have seen, most girls insist on wearing a white dress at their wedding, and if for some reason this does not happen, they remember it as a lifelong regret.
The Prayer of the White Dress
In our culture, the white wedding dress has always been accompanied by a prayer: “Enter your marital home in white and leave in white too.” The first white dress is the wedding dress itself, and we know that the second white dress refers to the shroud. Have you ever wondered why such a prayer should be said for the bride? Where does the groom fit into this scenario? Is there a similar prayer for the groom?
Fairness and Justice in Prayer
From white wedding attire to a white shroud in death; perhaps from one perspective, it is a good prayer and wish for an entire life, but why is this prayer one-sided and focused on the bride? I am sure there is good intent behind this prayer, but it seems that justice has not been served. The hidden meaning of the prayer is that more is expected of the woman in terms of purity, commitment, and compatibility in married life, and it wouldn’t be unexpected or forgivable if a man deviates from this path to some extent. I do not want to delve into the old story of patriarchy, but let’s accept that historically, in matters such as ethics, honesty, and honor, women have been subject to greater expectations and more suspicion and accusations.
