Ancient Jewish Weddings & the Church
Traditional Jewish ceremonies performed today have deep ties to the Jewish marriage ceremonies of ancient times. Many of the customs incorporated into the ceremony have roots in ancient practices. Understanding the reasons behind these customs as well as their Jewish heritage, can make the ceremony that much more meaningful for the bride and groom.
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The Engagement
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In ancient times, the engagement was formed between the groom and the father of the bride. The groom would approach the father of his beloved to procure his daughter's hand in marriage. The groom would bring with him money to pay "the bride price." He would also bring a marriage contract. The groom could also opt to bring "love gifts," according to FocusOnJeruselum.com, which were given freely and not out of obligation as expression of his love for his bride. The bride, groom and the bride's father then drink a glass of wine together to solidify the commitment.
Exchange of Money
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Although the groom begins the marriage process by bringing the bride's family a sum of money, this is not the last monetary exchange in ancient Jewish wedding traditions. Following the engagement, the bride is paid her dowry from her father. The dowry is a portion of her inheritance and is given so that the bride and her husband can begin their life together.
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The Chuppah
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The Chuppah plays an important role in a modern Jewish ceremony, however, it is a representation of the ancient custom of the Chuppah. Although the modern Chuppah is a canopy under which the bride and groom exchange vows, it is meant to represent the new home of the husband and wife together. This is because in ancient times, after acquiring the bride's hand, the groom would leave to prepare a home or room for him and his bride. This was called the Chuppah. The modern-day canopy chuppah signifies the new home that ancient tradition reflects.
The Ceremony
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Although the bride and groom are already technically committed to marriage following the meeting with the bride's father, the payment by the groom and the drinking of wine, a ceremony is still needed to complete the nuptial process. The ceremony follows the completion of the preparation of the Chuppah. Only the groom's father knows the date. The bride is sent for once that day comes, unbeknown to her, and the ceremony is performed.
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References
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