Jewish
Jewish Wedding Traditions
Circling ~ This represents the Seven Wedding Blessings. The Bride circles the Groom seven times and when she has finished, she stands on the Groom's right until the completion of the Ceremony.
Glass Breaking ~ When the Ceremony has finished, the Groom will break a glass, usually wrapped in cloth, with his foot. This symbolises the destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. It is also a reminder that life and happiness is as fragile as the glass that shattered, and should be treated with respect. The guests usually respond with Mazal Tov, which means "may the couple be blessed with good luck".
Chupah ~ This is a canopy made of embroidered velvet and trimmed with fringing. It is held up by four poles. Members of the Bride and Groom's families hold it up and the Ceremony takes place under the chupah. It is a symbol of the new home the couple will share together.
A bottle of kiddish wine and two glasses are also placed under the chupah, for the Bride and Groom to toast to each other's happiness.
Ketubah ~ This is the Marriage Agreement, rather like a contract, stating that if the Groom fails to cater to all of his Bride's needs, then he must pay her an agreed amount of money.
Mivkah ~
As a symbol of purity, Jewish Bride's must have a ritual bath, called a mivkah, and also obtain a certificate signed by a Rabbi's Wife as a witness to this cleansing.
