The Jewish faith is one of beauty and one that is steeped in tradition. One of the most beautiful traditions of the Jewish faith is the Jewish marriage ceremony, in which the chuppah is used. The chuppah is the canopy, or tent, under which the Jewish marriage ceremony takes place. It is usually made of satin or velvet cloth, supported by four poles. It symbolizes the new home and life that the bride (the kallah) and the groom (the chatan) will be building together. In other words, the chuppah represent the groom's home, where the bride will be joining him.
The chuppah is open on all sides and is similar to the tent inhabited by Abraham (father of the Jewish people) and his wife, Sarah. The open sides of the chuppah also represent a welcoming of visitors and strangers into the home, as the forefathers welcomed strangers and travelers into their homes. The chuppah could also date back to the days of the Exodus, when the Jewish people were still traveling in the dessert. During this time, a portable tent was used to house God's presence and/or the Ark of the Covenant. This was called a mishcan or was also known as the tabernacle.
Depending on the branch of the Jewish faith that the couple comes from, the chuppah can be set up either indoors or outdoors. Ideally and traditionally, it is set up outdoors and takes place close to sundown at the end of the day. The significance of this is the hope that the new couple will be blessed with many children. This tradition also dates back to Abraham where God promised him that his "seed would multiply as the stars in the heavens".
The couple is generally escorted to the chuppah by both sets of parents. Generally, neither the bride nor the groom wears jewelry of any kind under the chuppah. This signifies that their commitment is about who and what they are as people, rather than what they own.
Depending on the branch of the Jewish faith that the couple comes from, the chuppah can be set up either indoors or outdoors. Ideally and traditionally, it is set up outdoors and takes place close to sundown at the end of the day. The significance of this is the hope that the new couple will be blessed with many children. This tradition also dates back to Abraham where God promised him that his "seed would multiply as the stars in the heavens".
The couple is generally escorted to the chuppah by both sets of parents. Generally, neither the bride nor the groom wears jewelry of any kind under the chuppah. This signifies that their commitment is about who and what they are as people, rather than what they own.
The number seven is significant in the rituals that take place under the chuppah. The bride will circle the groom seven times, while under the chuppah and then takes her place at the groom's right-hand side. The circling of the groom seven times holds two meanings. First, seven represents the seven days of creation. Seven also signifies that they are complete as a couple and incomplete as mere individuals.
While under the chuppah, the ceremony continues with the recitation of the Seven Blessings. The Ketubah, or marriage contract, is read as well. The wedding ring is given to the bride; if the bride wishes to give a ring to the groom, she may do it later in private after the ceremony. The couple drink wine and the groom breaks the glass. This is said to represent a grief over the destruction of the temple. Once these things have been completed, the merriment of the wedding reception will begin.
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