Jewish Wedding Tradition

Traditional Jewish weddings begin with the couples signing the marriage contract called the Ketubah. Herein the couples pledge to each other legally for a long term support and commitment both financially and emotionally. This agreement also states the expectations and the duties of a married life. After this ceremony the groom lowers his bride's veil after looking at her and ensuring that he is about to marry the girl of his choice. For the marriage ceremony the rabbi or the priest, groom. Groomsmen and male guests wear a traditional white colored cap. In the Jewish tradition the wedding ring is just a simple band with no elaborations, no stones and nothing engraved.

In the day of the wedding both the parents of the bride and the groom escort them down the aisle. They march together forming a big procession of friends and relatives. The marriage ceremony is held under a specially built canopy which symbolizes God's attendance, safe haven and fortification.

After exchanging the wedding vows seven marriage blessings are read out to the couples by the rabbi or the priest. The couples exchange the wedding rings and circle together around the canopy. The couples are then offered a glass of wine to signify the fragility of human happiness, a characteristic of the Jewish history. It is also a traditional custom to leave alone the newlyweds immediately after the ceremony and give them an opportunity to thank each other.

Jewish traditional wedding celebrations are joyous celebrations with lot of traditional dance, music and songs. A lively entertaining Israeli dance called Hora is staged at the wedding reception. Here the groom and the bride are recognized to be the 'king and the queen of the night'.

Another traditional dance is performed at the Jewish weddings wherein all the guests circle the bride and dance around and sing praises for the bride.

Following this a grand meal is served to all the guests to commemorate the joyful celebrations.

Travour.com describes and provides information on the wedding traditions of Jewish and around the world.

Here are some Wedding Traditions performed around the world