Faiths and cultures in the UK

Jewish Weddings
Unlike other weddings in the UK, Jewish ceremonies are legally permitted after 6pm but are not permitted, under Rabbinical law, to take place on the Sabbath which runs from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday.  For this reason, the most popular day for a wedding is Sunday, although in the winter months some couples choose to marry late on Saturday evening after the Sabbath restriction has passed. The extent to which couples stick to Jewish marriage traditions will vary according to the branch of Judaism they follow, from reform and liberal through to ultra orthodox, however certain elements are common to most ceremonies.

Bedecking  -  This is the symbolic moment of veiling before the actual marriage when the groom ‘checks' he has the right bride. The tradition is said to date back to a story in the Bible when Jacob married the wrong bride (Leah rather than Rachel) because she was hidden beneath a veil. The bedecking (bedeken) ceremony can take place in front of assembled guests or privately in an anteroom.

Chuppah  -  Whether the couple choose to marry in a place of worship or a venue such as a hotel, stately home, or even at home, the ceremony itself takes place beneath a chuppah, usually a canopy of fabric supported by four poles. The poles, which are often lavishly decorated with flowers, represent the home the couple will share and the solid foundations of the two families coming together. Close family members stand either side of the canopy to witness the ceremony, which is conducted by a rabbi.

Circling  - Traditionally the bride circles her new husband to confirm he is the man she wishes to marry, although the actual number of times she circles is open to debate and some couples now choose to have the groom make circles around the bride too.
Breaking the glass - Some scholars say this tradition harks back to the sacking of the ancient temple in Jerusalem, others that it is an indication of the delicate nature of relationships. Either way it is probably the most widely-known of the customs and is usually celebrated by a collective cry of "mazeltov!". It also indicates that the ceremony is almost over apart from the traditional yichud - the few minutes straight after the ceremony, required by Jewish law, when the newlyweds retire to a private chamber or room to get their breath and enjoy their first married moments in private.

More details:
The Jewish Marriage Council, 020 8203 6311
www.somethingjewish.co.uk
www.under-the-chuppa.com


Greek Orthodox weddings
These ceremonies are conducted by an Orthodox priest and follow a similar format of blessings, prayers and readings as other Christian weddings in the UK. If only one partner is of the Orthodox faith, the other is usually required to be baptised.

The marriage itself is quite devout but very visual. On arrival, the couple is presented with symbolic white candles that have been waiting for them on the marriage table or altar alongside a holy cross, a gospel, the wedding rings and wine. The couple will later walk around this table or altar three times in recognition of the holy trinity.

After the betrothal ceremony and blessing, the couple join hands and will remain like this until the ceremony is over.  Next comes the significant crowning ceremony, where the priest places floral crowns attached with white silk ribbon on the couple's heads and swaps them over to represent their new union. The couple are then treated as royalty all day, right up to the point in the reception - which most people will recognise at a Greek wedding - when celebratory plates are smashed on the floor and guests pin money to the newlyweds' clothes, rather than giving them gifts.

More details:
www.nostos.com/church


Hindu weddings
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world and its traditions vary slightly according to culture and county.  However, most Hindu weddings focus on the same symbolic rites of the holy fire (agni) and the Seven Steps or vows known as Saptapadi. These refer to the couple's future commitments, which include protecting each other; building spiritual powers and a healthy lifestyle; earning wealth; acquiring knowledge; raising children, and enjoying long life and loyalty.

The marriage process often starts some days before the actual ceremony with a variety of traditional gatherings, including the customary painting of the bride with henna (mendhi). The ceremony itself, which usually takes place in a temple under a canopy known as a mandap, are vibrant affairs and include exchanges of bright garlands and richly coloured saris. Traditionally, the couple, their family and their guests were seated on the floor although some couples in the UK increasingly choose to provide seating, and during the many intricate steps of the wedding, it is quite usual for guests to eat, drink and chatter. Traditionally no alcohol is served at a Hindu wedding and food tends to be vegetarian or largely vegetarian.


More details:
www.weddings.iloveindia.com
www.weddingguru.com


Photography: Rahil Ahmad (020 8355 6631, www.rahil.co.uk)

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