Jewish weddings are so special primarily because of the meaningful customs and traditions that go along with the ceremony. There is so much meaning, beauty, and heritage, that one can't help but be moved during the procession. One of the distinctly unique customs is the chupah and chupah talit. In Jewish weddings, it is customary for the bride and groom to stand under the chupah. The chupah is known as the bridal canopy in secular culture, and it is an integral part of the Jewish wedding ceremony, along with the chupah talit, which is worn by the groom and placed over the bride during the ceremony.
Essentially, the chupah is a tapestry attached to four poles, making a tent-like structure to house the bride and groom. The word chupah means covering. Although it is very attractive and adds a nice touch to the wedding, it serves much more than a aesthetic purpose. It serves a definite legal purpose. According to Chabbad.org: "It is the decisive act that formally permits the couple's new status of marriage to be actualized, and it is the legal conclusion of the marriage process that began with betrothal. Together these two acts of acquisition are called chuppah ve' kiddushin."
The chupah is very symbolic. It signifies the groom's home, and the bride's new realm. It also is a symbol of the ancient bridal chamber where marriage was consecrated. The history of the tapestry on the chupah goes back to the sixteenth century, where Rabbi Moses Issereles first identified it. The Talmud requires it for a marriage to be complete. Several medieval scholars have said that the chupah (or in ancient times, the groom's actual home) was effected spiritually by the bride's entrance. The custom of the groom placing the chupah talit over the bride's head during the nuptial blessings is Askhenazaic, and has also been done by Sephardim and German Jews.
The construction of a chupah is quite simple. A cloth or talit, is spread over the four poles. IT can be as simple, or ornate as the couple sees fit. Some who are more traditional, opt for a portable chupah to bring forth after the reading of the ketubah, and stand under it during the blessing of the seven nuptials. The chupah is technically only required for the nuptial, but many choose to adorn theirs with flowers and beautiful fabric, so they choose to have it for the whole ceremony.
The chupah teaches the couple that the simple and fraigle, shared roof covering them launches the marriage and is blessed. It is a statement to the couple to live their lives contently even within small and modest means. The bride and groom stand under it only, as it isn't required for the rabbi, cantor, parents, etc. to stand underneath it.
You can make your chupah yourself or order one from a Judaica store. Hopefully you know have a better understanding of the significance of the chupah and chupah talit.
Author Resource:-
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