For the Jewish people, kiddushin (Jewish word for marriage) is a blessing. The word "kiddushin" has been derived from the word, "kadosh", meaning holiness. The favorite day for the conduct of Jewish wedding ceremony is Tuesday.
One the bride is veiled, the ceremony is ready to begin. Grandparents are seated first, the bride's to the right of the center aisle and the bridegroom's to the left.
The actual procession order for the Rabbi and cantor is determined by local custom. In most case, if the Rabbi is planning to come down the aisle, which often happens when the ceremony is not in a temple or synagogue, he will be next. The groomsmen will follow, one at a time, usually standing to the left of the chuppah (canopy).
The chuppah is supported by four poles in stanchions, but could be held by four men during the ceremony, as frequently done in Sepharic tradition. The chuppah seems to have been derived from the canopied litter which in ancient time was occupied by the bride during the procession.
It symbolically establishes a house in public to represent that their lives will be spent together. Sometimes, a large talis (prayer shawl) is put on the poles and held above the couple to create the chuppah.
The best man comes down the aisle alone and goes under the chuppah on the left. The bridegroom, escorted by his parents, go under the chuppah to the left of the best man. The bridesmaids follow, single file, and stand to the right of the chuppah. The maid or matron of honor comes alone, and stands under the chuppah on the right side. She is followed by the flower girl and ring bearer, if any.
The bride comes down the aisle next, escorted by her parents. They stop just before the chuppah and the parents may lift her veil and give her a kiss. They then replace the veil and walk up under the chuppah on the right side. When her parents are in their places, the bride takes three steps on her own, symbolizing her decision to enter the marriage, and the bridegroom comes to escort her under the chuppah. The bridegroom turns as he joins her, so she is on his right.
Pre Wedding Rituals
- Yom Kippur Viddui confessional prayers
- Badeken tradition
Wedding Rituals
- Wedding ceremony
- Reading of Ketubah
- Sheva Berakhot ceremony
Post Wedding Rituals
- Seudat Mitzwah Jewish wedding feast
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