What is Religious History Made Up Of?

Jewish weddings are known not only for their beauty but also for their intricate traditions. Some of the traditions that you’ll see during a Jewish wedding include:

• During the procession, the bride and the groom walk side by side with their parents. After the wedding, the rabbi is the first one to walk out. He is followed by the groom with his parents. The last to walk out are the bride and her parents.
• The entire ceremony happens under the chupah. This is a canopy that stands on four poles. It is the symbol of the bride and groom’s home that will “always be open to guests.”
• The wedding ceremony comes in two parts. In the first part, the rabbi recites a blessing over a cup of wine that the bride and groom share in drinking. This is the time when they become betrothed and the groom puts the ring on the bride’s finger. The other part, which is called Sheva Brachot, includes seven blessings recited over a second glass of wine. Relatives and friends may be invited to recite the blessing in honor of the couple.
• There is also a wedding contract called ketubah. This is read under the chupah right after the ring was put into the bride’s finger. This contract is often framed and displayed in the home of the couple. It used to be written in Arabic but nowadays most wedding contracts are written in Hebrew.
• To conclude the ceremony, the groom (and sometimes the bride too) breaks a glass with his foot. This tradition represents the longevity of the marriage, for as long as the glass is broken, the marriage will stay intact. Although some interpret the tradition as a need to remember people in suffering and the destruction of the second temple in the middle of the joyful celebration. Upon breaking the glass, the guests would shout, “Mazel Tov.” This translates to “good luck.”
• More traditional weddings also include the Kabbalat Panim and the Badeken ceremonies. During the Kabbalat Panim, the bride and groom would have separate receptions. After that, the two will join in the Badeken ceremony, wherein the groom puts a veil over the bride’s face to symbolize that he loves her not only for her outer beauty but also for her inner beauty.

These are general traditions practiced in most Jewish weddings. Take note though that not all Jewish couples practice all these traditions. Some also incorporate personal touches and modern practices into the ceremony.