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International Wedding
Traditions - Jewish Traditions
Traditionally the Jewish wedding starts with the signing of
the marriage contract or ketubbah. The ketubbah is a document
that describes the rights and obligations of the bride and
groom. It is signed by the groom and then given to the bride
for safekeeping. In modern weddings the bride also signs the
contract. This document is often framed and displayed in the
newlyweds' home.
After the signing of
the contract the groom goes up to his bride and gazes into her
face. Having confirmed that she is the woman he chosen to
marry, he lowers her veil over her face. This is a symbolic
representation of the lesson learned from the story of Jacob
who was tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel, his true
love. Leah pretended to be Rachel and covered her face with
her veil so Jacob wouldn't know the truth.
The Stage
The
wedding ceremony takes place under the huppah (wedding
canopy). The huppah is often made of velvet with embroidery
and fringes but sometimes a floral canopy is used. The huppah
is supported by four poles which is optionally held during the
ceremony by friends or relatives. Under the huppah is a table
with two glasses and a bottle of kiddush wine.
By custom all of the
immediate relatives are part of the wedding party. The bride
and groom are escorted down the aisle by their parents.
Siblings can act as attendants and grandparents may have a
place in the procession.
Under the huppah the
bride stands to the right of the groom. Under Orthodox custom,
the bride may circle the groom seven times (representing the
seven wedding blessings) before taking her place at his right.
After the introduction
by the rabbi, the groom recites his wedding vow and gives the
ring to the bride. Traditionally the ring is a plain gold band
without any breaks or engravings. This type of ring is used
because it clearly shows the true value and purity of the
ring. At the ceremony the ring is placed on the bride's right
index finger because it is the finger of intelligence (it is
the finger that points at the words when reading the Torah).
Modern brides that follow this custom will sometimes switch
the ring to the left hand after the ceremony.
Next the ketubbah is
read aloud. This is followed by a reading of the seven wedding
blessings by various guests. During this reading the bride and
groom sip their wine. When the reading is done, the groom
breaks a glass with his foot. The breaking of the glass
represents various things, one of which is the destruction of
the Temple. The shattered glass also reminds us of how fragile
life is.
The Celebration!
The wedding party then
proceeds down the aisle, led by the bride and groom. At this
point, the couple may perform a traditional ritual known as
yihud (union). For this they will go to a private room where
they will briefly eat some food (typically a broth) together.
They will then go to the reception area for the festivities.
A typical celebration
includes circle dancing where the bride and groom may be
lifted above the circle. In Orthodox communities, where
dancing with the opposite sex is prohibited, a special dance
may be done where the dance partners will hold opposite ends
of a scarf. If either the bride or groom is the last child of
the family to be married, another special dance may be
performed for the parents to celebrate their success in
marrying off all of their children.
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