Termeh in Iranian weddings, Nowruz and the sofreh

The sofreh

A sofreh is a cloth spread on the floor or a table for meals and ceremonies. At a traditional wedding, the sofreh-ye aqd (wedding spread) holds symbolic items such as a mirror, candles, bread, honey and sweets. Termeh or embroidered cloth is often used as the base or a covering.

Nowruz

For Nowruz, many families lay the haft-sin, seven items whose names begin with the letter sin, on a decorative cloth. Termeh, embroidered or printed qalamkar cloths are all used. There is no single rule for the cloth.

Heirlooms

Fine termeh pieces are often given as gifts and kept for generations. Old pieces may be silk, wool or blends, and many modern pieces are machine-woven. The cloth's role in the family does not tell you how it was made.

Choosing a piece

• Ask whether it is hand-woven or machine-woven, and get the answer in writing
• Ask about the fibre content
• Check the back: compare floats and finishing
• Choose a size that fits the table or spread you have in mind
• For embroidered (sermeh-duzi) pieces, ask what metal thread is used

Care

Keep wax, oil and food stains off the cloth with a clear protective layer during use. Fold loosely along different lines each time or roll around a tube with acid-free tissue. Have fine pieces cleaned by a textile specialist rather than washing them at home.

A note on this guide

This is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. It is not a valuation, authentication or conservation treatment. For valuable or fragile pieces, consult a qualified conservator or appraiser.