Wedding, in all religious communities is a very auspicious event and people involved in a wedding make sure that each and every ritual connected to it is followed strictly. The wedding rituals vary largely from one religious community to another and even from one wing of a community to another. Jewish wedding is a perfect example of that. Though the key rituals are same, some differences are noticed in wedding ceremonies of different branches of Judaism. However, irrespective of minor variations from one branch to another, Jewish wedding is a wonderful blend of religious ceremony and celebrations. It is an occasion where people of the bride’s family and the groom’s family are found in a festive mood.
The most beautiful part of a Jewish wedding is the moment when the groom puts the veil on the face of the bride as a symbol of modesty. The veiling comes as a lesson that physical appearance is not the only interest behind the marriage; it is about the unity of two souls. The veiling marks the initial phase of the actual wedding ceremony and it is followed by the bride encircling the groom seven times. This encircling symbolizes building a new wall that will guard the relationship from all inauspicious happenings. It is among the most important part of a Jewish wedding ceremony and it takes place under the canopy, the wedding venue.
After this comes the ritual of giving the ring, the central point of the wedding. In all branches of Judaism it is customary for the groom to put a gold ring on the forefinger of the bride’s right hand. With the ring getting settled on the bride’s finger, the couple is declared as married. However, in some branches of Judaism, there is a provision for the bride to follow the same practice but it is done afterwards, outside the canopy.
A festive mood sets its grip on the members of both the families a week ahead of the wedding but the actual celebrations are seen at the reception where the wedding meals are served. A grand feat or special dinner party is arranged in the honor of the parents of the new couple and it is customary for the new couple to join guests after they are declared married.
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Partha Goswami is well known in the dating industry. He holds master's degrees in philosophy & psychology and authored several highly successful books about Internet dating, Internet wedding & others.
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