Jewish Wedding Traditions
If you decide to include Jewish wedding traditions or you are about to attend one such celebration, familiarizing yourself with them is crucial. You need to know what to expect and what kinds of traditions are necessary to create a unique union. Some of the ancient Jewish wedding traditions are quite joyful, so they can really add a special touch to a marriage celebration.
In this blog, we have included several ceremonial Jewish wedding traditions. You can decide which ones to include in your union or simply learn what to expect when attending a Jewish wedding. One thing is sure – all those customs will give you a great time and an authentic bridal experience!
Traditional Wedding Attire
One of the most common elements in Jewish weddings is the yarmulke or a skullcap worn by the groom. Usually, Jews use this tradition even when the celebration does not come with a lot of ceremonial features. When it comes to attire, if the union is strictly traditional, then the groom may wear a kittel – a white overgarment.
On the other hand, brides often wear white gowns and veils covering their faces. If the wedding is strictly religious and takes place in a synagogue, then all women, including the bride, must wear clothing that covers the shoulders. Usually, women opt for long-sleeved dresses or a shawl that can be removed later.
Ceremony Customs
The Jewish wedding traditions for the ceremony are quite versatile and interesting. If you intend to throw such a celebration, you will have the option to include different customs that can make your celebration rather unique.
- ChuppahÂ
If you are looking for ways to make your union authentic, the chuppah Jewish wedding custom may be your answer. We are talking about a wedding canopy that symbolizes the couple’s new home. Jewish weddings took place outside in the past, and the chuppah was used to create a sacred and intimate space. Using this custom can include your closest family members and friends since the chuppah is supposed to be held by people close to the couple to symbolize their support for the marriage.
- Sheva B’rachotÂ
A sheva b’rachot, or seven blessings, comprises praise for God, prayer for peace in Jerusalem, and good luck to the couple. This is a traditional Jewish wedding custom that can add special meaning to your ceremony. You do not need the rabbi to say all the seven blessings. You can honor special guests by asking them to read or sing some blessings.
Jewish Reception TraditionsÂ
There are many cultural dances and customs that you can incorporate into a traditional Jewish wedding. Even opting for only a few of them will make your celebration unique.
- Hora
The highlight of a Jewish wedding reception is usually the hora or the chair dance. When the guests sing “Hava Nagila” and circle the couple in a celebration dance, the newlywed couple is raised above the crowd on the chairs. Simply put, this is one of the most exciting ancient Jewish wedding traditions!
- Mitzvah DancesÂ
The mitzvah dance always celebrates and entertains the new husband and wife. Traditionally, the couple sits on the chairs from the hora while their loved ones dance for them, making them laugh with costumes, props, etc. With this Jewish wedding tradition, you can have some seriously unique photographs.
The abovementioned Jewish wedding traditions are some of the most customary ones that can make your celebration truly special. However, you should know that there are many of them, and if you want a celebration with all of the traditions, you will need to work closely with a rabbi or a person who knows them from the beginning to the end.
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