Live Life Team
When the bride and groom at a Jewish wedding stand beneath the “chuppah” or wedding canopy, they are following a tradition that has been handed down for centuries. The “chuppah” is a cloth supported by four poles or possibly a “tallit” or prayer shawl held up by four attendants. Either way, the “chuppah” represents the life and home the pair will build together.
In Orthodox Judaism, it is traditional to have open sky above the canopy. Many weddings are performed outside, but for those held in the temple, there is sometimes a special opening built into the ceiling that can be opened during the ceremony. The “chuppah” is open on all four sides to symbolize hospitality. Other than the bride and groom, it is an empty space, a reminder of the Jewish belief that people, not possessions, make a home.
It is said the “chuppah” originated in Talmudic times. Originally Jewish weddings were held in two parts, each a year apart. One was a betrothal ceremony, after which the bride went back to live with her parents until the second ceremony. At that time the marriage would take place in a tent set up by the groom. The ceremonies were later combined and the “chuppah” was used as a symbol of the room or tent of the second part of the marriage ceremony.
Modern couples have put their own signature on this ancient custom. Since a “chuppah” may be made of any material, it is now common for them to be personalized to suit individual tastes. Silks, lace and delicately quilted fabrics are becoming the “chuppah” material of choice.
