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What happens during a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony under the huppa?
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Marriage
A Hindu couple being blessed by a priest during their wedding ceremony, Bali, Indonesia.
A traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, or ḥatuna, is performed under a ḥuppa, a canopy that symbolizes the home the couple will establish together. The ceremony consists of two primary parts, which are performed together in modern times:12
- Betrothal (erusin): This stage includes the reading of the ketubba, a formal marriage contract that outlines financial provisions for the wife in the event of divorce or the husband's death. The groom gives a ring to the bride with the declaration, "Behold you are consecrated to me by this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel," accompanied by specific benedictions.23
- Marriage Proper (nissu’ein): This follows the betrothal and consists of the recitation of the seven marriage benedictions.2
The ḥuppa itself can take various forms, ranging from a simple tallit (prayer shawl) held by four poles to an elaborate, flower-covered trellis or an embroidered silk or velvet cloth.1