The breaking of the glass is perhaps one of the most well-known Jewish wedding traditions. It is a familiar sight to see the groom crush a glass underfoot at the end of the ceremony, followed by cheers and applause from the guests. But what does it actually symbolize? Where did this tradition come from? And why do we continue to incorporate it into modern-day Jewish weddings? In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and significance of the breaking of the glass at a Jewish wedding.
The Origins of the Tradition
Like many Jewish wedding traditions, the origins of the breaking of the glass are unclear. There are several different theories as to where this tradition came from, and why it has endured for so many centuries.
One theory is that the breaking of the glass is meant to symbolize the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. According to this theory, the breaking of the glass is a reminder of the tragedies that the Jewish people have endured throughout history, and a symbol of their hope for the rebuilding of the Temple and the coming of the Messiah.
Another theory is that the breaking of the glass is a symbol of the fragility of human relationships. Marriage is not always easy, and relationships can be easily broken or shattered. The sound of the breaking glass serves as a reminder that the couple must work to maintain and strengthen their relationship in the face of the challenges they will surely face.
Yet another theory is that the breaking of the glass is simply a way to add some humor and levity to the end of the wedding ceremony. Weddings can be emotional and intense affairs, and the breaking of the glass provides a moment of release and laughter at the end of the solemn ceremony.
The Symbolism of the Breaking of the Glass
Regardless of its origins, the breaking of the glass has come to symbolize many different things over the years. Here are just a few of the most commonly cited interpretations:
– The end of the ceremony: In many Jewish communities, the breaking of the glass is the final act of the wedding ceremony. Once the glass has been broken, the wedding is officially over, and the celebration can begin.
– The groom’s commitment: In some traditions, the groom is the one who crushes the glass. This act is meant to symbolize the groom’s commitment to his bride, and his willingness to take on the responsibility of caring for her for the rest of his life.
– The couple’s partnership: In other traditions, both the bride and groom step on the glass together. This act represents the couple’s partnership, and their joint commitment to building a life together.
– The fragility of relationships: As mentioned above, some see the breaking of the glass as a symbol of the fragility of human relationships. This interpretation reminds us that even the strongest relationships can be shattered, and that we must work hard to maintain and strengthen our connections with those we love.
– The beginning of a new life: Finally, some see the breaking of the glass as a symbol of the new life that the couple is embarking on together. Just as the glass is broken and cannot be put back together, the couple is leaving behind their old lives and starting anew as a married couple.
How the Breaking of the Glass is Performed
The breaking of the glass typically takes place at the end of the wedding ceremony, just before the newlyweds are about to depart. The groom (and sometimes the bride as well) stomps on a glass wrapped in a cloth or napkin until it breaks. The sound of the breaking glass is often followed by cheers and applause from the guests, and the couple is showered with rice or confetti as they exit.
Conclusion
The breaking of the glass is a cherished tradition in Jewish weddings, one that has endured for centuries. While its origins are unclear, its symbolism is rich and varied, reminding us of the challenges and joys of marriage, the fragility of human relationships, and the hope and optimism that come with embarking on a new life together. Whether performed by the groom alone or by the couple together, the breaking of the glass is a poignant and meaningful way to end the wedding ceremony and begin the celebration of a new union.
FAQ
Is breaking the glass Jewish wedding before or after kiss?
In Jewish wedding traditions, the breaking of the glass is one of the most significant rituals that take place during the ceremony. This custom has been part of Jewish wedding customs for centuries, but the exact origin is unknown. However, it is believed that the breaking of the glass symbolizes many things, including the fragility of life, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the commitment between the new couple.
Now, to answer the question about when the breaking of the glass happens in a Jewish wedding ceremony, it is generally done before the kiss. After the couple has exchanged their vows and completed the traditional seven blessings, the groom will break a glass by stomping on it with his foot, usually covered by a cloth or a napkin. This shatter is met with cheers of “Mazel Tov,” an expression of congratulations and good fortune.
In reformed Jewish tradition, the bride and groom will kiss after he stomps on the glass. However, in traditional Orthodox and Conservative Jewish weddings, the couple will not kiss immediately after the glass has been broken. Instead, they will exit the wedding canopy or chuppah separately before the guests start to celebrate.
The breaking of the glass is an essential aspect of the Jewish wedding ceremony. It is performed by the groom right before the groom and bride exit the canopy as a married couple. The act of breaking the glass symbolizes many things, and it has a special significance in Jewish culture. So, the answer to the question is that the breaking of the glass typically happens before the kiss in a Jewish wedding ceremony.
What does glass breaking signify?
Throughout history and across different cultures, broken glass has held various symbolic meanings. In folklore and superstition, glass breaking has been associated with both good and bad luck. though, it is widely believed that glass breaking is a favorable omen that signifies the start of something new and positive.
One of the most commonly held beliefs surrounding broken glass is that it heralds the beginning of new cycles in one’s life. This could be something as simple as the start of a new relationship, or as significant as the beginning of a new career or chapter in one’s life. It is believed that the shattering of glass represents the breaking of old patterns and the opening up of new possibilities and opportunities.
Another common interpretation of broken glass is that it is a sign of financial luck and prosperity. Many cultures believe that if you accidentally break a glass, money is on the way. In fact, in some cultures, it is customary to intentionally break plates or glasses after a meal to bring good fortune. This belief may be linked to the idea that the shattering of glass represents an opportunity for something new to replace what was lost.
However, it’s important to note that not all cultures view broken glass as a good omen. In some cultures, breaking a mirror, which is made of glass, is considered to be very bad luck and can lead to seven years of misfortune. In other cultures, the way the glass was broken, such as by throwing it angrily, could also have a negative impact on the superstitions surrounding broken glass.
Although different beliefs and superstitions surround glass breaking, most people tend to see it as an optimistic sign that bodes well for the future. The breaking of glass symbolizes the creation of new opportunities and the opening up of new possibilities. Furthermore, glass shattering is often considered to be a sign of good financial luck, indicating that there may be profit or other monetary gains on the horizon.
Do you kiss before or after breaking the glass?
In a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, there are several customs and rituals that are followed to symbolize the couple’s commitment to each other. One of the most famous of these customs is the breaking of the glass. For those who are not familiar with this tradition, it can be confusing to understand when the kiss should happen in relation to the breaking of the glass.
To begin with, let’s discuss the breaking of the glass itself. The groom holds a glass wrapped in cloth or paper and, after he declares the bride and groom to be wife and husband, he invites the couple to seal their promises with a kiss. The groom then kisses the bride and then breaks the glass with his right foot. There are several interpretations of what the breaking of the glass represents. For some, it is a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and a representation of the fact that even in moments of joy, there is still sadness in the world. For others, it represents the fragility of human relationships and the need for a couple to cherish and protect each other.
So when does the kiss happen in relation to the breaking of the glass? It is customary for the kiss to happen immediately before the breaking of the glass. The logic behind this is that the kiss is meant to symbolize the couple sealing their promises to each other, and the breaking of the glass is meant to be a symbol of the couple’s commitment to protecting and cherishing each other. By having the kiss happen first, the couple is signifying their willingness to make that commitment to each other, and the breaking of the glass solidifies that commitment.
In some modern Jewish weddings, couples may choose to modify the traditional order of events. For example, some couples may choose to break the glass together or may choose not to have the breaking of the glass at all. However, for those who choose to follow the traditional customs, the kiss always happens before the breaking of the glass.
The answer to whether you kiss before or after breaking the glass in a Jewish wedding ceremony is that you kiss first, then break the glass. This order of events is meant to symbolize the couple’s commitment to each other and their willingness to protect and cherish each other in their marriage.
