Judaism

Rituals
A cause for celebration

A Jewish wedding is one of the cornerstones of the Jewish life cycle and as with all religions, is a
great cause for celebration. Although there are many laws and traditions associated with the
wedding itself, other rituals take place in the weeks leading up to the big day.

In the past, it was common for Jewish marriages to be arranged by the parents, with the help of a
match-maker, known as a Yenta, and some ultra-Orthodox communities still follow this practice
today. Even though the union was arranged, the man still had to ask the father of the bride-to-be
for his daughter's hand in marriage, and to secure the engagement by paying a dowry.

The rituals associated with Jewish weddings begin as soon as a couple are engaged, with a
ceremony known as tena'im. It involves breaking a plate to symbolise the destruction of the
temples in Jerusalem, as a reminder that even in the midst of celebration Jews still feel sadness
for their loss. This is a theme that is repeated at the ceremony of itself with the breaking of the
glass.

Clothing

There is no specific traditional dress for a Jewish wedding. Men will often wear black tie or
morning suit, while women usually wear a white wedding dress - however, religious background
will often affect the choice outfit worn, with Orthodox women being more modest.

Fasting

It is also traditional for the bride and groom to fast on the day of the wedding itself as a symbolic
statement. Just as Jews fast on Yom Kippur - the Day Of Atonement - to cleanse themselves of
their sins and start afresh - so Jews fast on their wedding day to cleanse themselves of sin and
come to their marriage with a clean slate.

Symbols

The number seven is significant in the Jewish wedding - for example seven cups of wine are
drunk during the ceremony and celebrations afterwards. This is because God created the world in
seven days and so the groom and the bride are symbolically creating the walls of the couple's
new home.
During the service, the bride and groom drink the first of the seven cups of wine, and several
prayers are said binding the couple together. One of the most important parts is the giving of the
ring. The ring itself must belong to the groom - it must not be borrowed - and must be a complete
circle without a break, to emphasise the hope for a harmonious marriage, and must be plain
without stones or decoration. It is not a requirement for the groom to wear a wedding ring, but
many men do. As with other religions, the ring is held by the best man until it is time for the
groom to give it to the bride. When the groom gives the bride the ring he recites the following
verse:

Behold you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel.

During the ceremony, the officiator of the service, usually the Rabbi, will make a speech about
the couple and bless them as they begin their new life together. The service also features a
prayer, usually sung by a cantor, about the sadness Jewish people at the destruction of the
Temples in Jerusalem. As with the engagement ceremony, Jews remember that even in their
happiness at being married, they still remember this, and the fact that other sad events have
happened in Jewish history, and pay respect to those who have suffered.

Islam
Clothing
Brides traditionally wear a yellow formal outfit, and applies wet Mehandi on her hands. It's customary
for a bride to be escorted to stage under a yellow dupatta makeup and jewellery is generally avoided
and kept simple.

Food

Valima (Dinner)

Valima is highly recommended on the groom. The relatives, neighbors and friends must be
invited for Valima. However, lavish spending is not advisable especially when the same money
can be used effectively by the couple.

 1. Marriage and Morals in Islam, Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

 2. Aalim, Maulana or those who are conversant with the correct Nikah procedure and proper
Arabic pronunciation.
 3. Marriage and Morals in Islam, Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi
Hinduism
Rituals
It is highly recommended that the wedding should take place at night. The hadith says, “Take the
bride to her new home during the night.” 1
When the bride enters the room, the groom is recommended to take off her shoes and wash her
feet (in a washbowl) and then sprinkle the water around the room.

Prior to the actual the wedding, there's a pre-party called the sangeet where family comes
together to sing, dance and revel in the joy of the upcoming union. Family members even give
performances! The bride's family sings a traditional folk song to the groom's family to welcome
them. The sangeet, which translates to "sung together," takes place a a few the mehendi
ceremony that kicks off the wedding itself.

The bride's garments will also be red (also the case for Muslim brides). In Indian culture, red
symbolizes the rising sun, prosperity and fertility.

Hindu Wedding Rituals Begin with a Prayer to Ganesha

The ceremony begins with a prayer to Ganesha, the god of beginnings and good fortune and the
remover of obstacles. Salutations are offered so that Ganesha may pave the way for the couple's
married life.