Wedding ceremonies are always different, obviously. No matter you’re ethnicity or religion, generally you will have some sort of tradition during your wedding. Couples love reaching into their own histories or the customs of other cultures for meaningful rituals.  Trust me, there are more wedding traditions than you could possibly imagine…so, let’s get started!

The word ‘tradition’ according to Webster’s Dictionary is, the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this. We know a tradition as a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.

Jewish Traditions :

Breaking the Glass – Some say this widely known tradition is a reminder that destruction and loss should be remembered even at a joyous moment. Others have a more orthodox view on this tradition. They believe that it symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The understood meaning that everyone agrees on is the meaning of the end of solemnity and the beginning of the celebration!

The Chuppah –  This is a canopy attached to four poles, and underneath the bride and groom are married. It’s open on all four sides, as a reference to Abraham’s tent and hospitality, repersenting God’s presence. The couple generally use a prayer cloth to for the top of it. Couples also love to display the chuppah at their home after the wedding. This tradition symbolizes the union of families.

Yichud – In ancient times, this was when the bride and groom would consummate the marriage after the ceremony. Now a days, the norm is to eat a meal together which represents a private moment which the couple are able t share both emotional and physical sustenance. The Yichud is a tradition that can benefit a couple of any faith.

Each week a different religion or belief will be featured. Please check back next week to read the continued blog!