A glimpse into the Iranian unique world of Customs …
* Iranian cuisine : a feast for the eyes
... , Mother of Turkish and Indians has more than 2200 kinds of food served at households since ages. But unfortunately throughout Iran's drive to get into the mainstream, industrialization and globalization, fast foods, fatty and sweet ones have permeated all area; so remained just 480 kinds. What is forgotten on the way is its 107 capacities of being fast foods or those dishes which can be provided as food cans…
…Diet varies throughout the country, but rice and wheat bread accompanied with yogurt and fresh vegetable are common in Iranian's cover. Dinner is served in the evening after 8 p.m…
* socializing
…When someone enters a room, others stand up as a sign of respect. They greet each other with handshakes followed by nodding and a kiss to show their affection. A common greeting is "salaam" (peace), while they ask for other's health too. The parting phrase is "khoda hafez" which means "may Allah protect you".
Hospitality is a cherished tradition here. It is said that guests are gifts from Allah. So respecting a guest is a way of respecting Allah. Due to this philosophy everything is done to make them feel comfortable and happy. Tea and other edibles are usually offered to them with lots of compliments. If you are their guests don't forget to remove your shoes while you enter their house…
* Marriage
…Children regardless of their age, live with their parents till they marry. Due to the families or girls` and boys` expectations, the age range of marriage is varying. Parents feel a lifelong commitment to the children and support them financially even after their marriage. If a woman is marring for the first time, she must have her parents` consent. Men have the right of marring up to four women, if he treats them equally, but most men choose to have only one . In some cases couples choose to have temporary marriage named "sigeh" dated from few days up to 99 years; of coarse it's not common among the nation and the practice is opposed by the most families. The wife and the children born in these families don't have the same rights and privileges as the conventional wives or children, but still considered as legitimates.
Fathers are the head of the families. The elders are respected and cared a lot by the younger members and there you can find an intense relationship between the relatives. As it is apparent in their recreational activity; they prefer to go for a stroll, visit teahouses or bazaar, going to the cinema¨ and a lot more with their friends and relatives…