Chuppah

There is one design element I love at wedding ceremonies and it's a chuppah. Before you ask what is a chuppah, here you go:

A chuppah (Hebrew: חוּפָּה‎) (also spelled hupah, chupah, or chuppa - plural: chuppot or chuppahs, Hebrew: חוּפּוֹת) is a canopy traditionally used in Jewish weddings. It consists of a cloth or sheet, sometimes a tallit, stretched or supported over four poles, or sometimes carried by attendants to the ceremony. A chuppah symbolizes the home the couple will build together. Chuppah literally means a canopy or a covering. (info via Wikipedia)

Yes it is a Jewish tradition. While I am not Jewish I am a Christian and our roots are based in Jewish culture. Not only are they a pretty decor element, but are rich in symbolism and spirituality. The Bible talks about Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding and while I could not say for sure, I would guess that He witnessed the ceremony under a chuppah.

The basics are built from four simple poles and cross beams. From there you can pretty much adorn it however you like. Common elements are fabric, flowers, branches and crystals.

*Images via Inspired Goodness


*Image via Yvonne Designs

This one is made of glass!


*Images via Davinci Florist

The prettiest one I have ever seen...

Image via InStyle Weddings

Here is a bit about the symbolism of a Chuppah. Hopefully I will get to have one :)

Symbolism

In a spiritual sense, the covering of the chuppah represents the presence of God over the covenant of marriage. As the kipa served as a reminder of the Creator above all, (also a symbol of separation from God), so the chuppah was erected to signify that the ceremony and institution of marriage has divine origins.^{[citation needed]}

The "chuppah" may also represent the home of Abraham and serve as a reminder that he was a foreigner in a strange land, looking for the place God had promised to him.

Before going under the chuppah the groom covers the bride's face with a veil, known as the badeken (in Yiddish). The origin of this tradition is in the dispute of what exactly is the chuppah. There are opinions that the chuppah means covering the bride's face, and that by this covering the couple is to be married. Thus, some insist that the marriage witnesses also see this act of covering, as it is a formal part of the wedding.

The groom enters the chuppah first to represent his ownership of the home on behalf of the couple. When the bride then enters the chuppah it is as though the groom is providing her with shelter or clothing, and he thus publicly demonstrates his new responsibilities toward her.^[2]

(info via Wikipedia)