A little knowledge goes a long way in helping you to prepare for your special day in whatever way you choose to celebrate it. In Barbados you will come across many different ways to celebrate due to respect for our residents and visitors from overseas. There are different expectations for various ceremonies and also for civil procedures.
A religious ceremony is a very popular and spiritual way to get married. To some it is the ultimate way, to have your marriage blessed in the eyes of God.
JEWISH WEDDING
THE JEWISH CEREMONY - This is a brief general guide ... Regions may vary.
Under the Jewish faith your wedding day is the most important day of your life as it signifies a fresh new start, a clean slate so to speak. The ceremony is very rich and steeped in tradition.
The couple sign a contract agreeing to their obligation to one another. After the document is read out loud, the mothers of the couple stand together and break a plate, symbolizing the irreparability of a relationship once it is shattered.
Here is a brief guideline for the ceremony:
The veiling of the bride (Badeken)
The canopy ceremony (Chuppah). This symbolizes a shared home and is open on all sides to welcome others
The Seven Circles - A circling of the groom by the bride and her kin, seven times to bond the families.
Blessing of the betrothal and the first glass of wine
Giving of the ring, which must be plain and simple without décor.
Aramaic reading of the Marriage contract
The Seven Blessings and the second glass of wine
The glass is wrapped in cloth and the husband breaks it with his foot
Seclusion ... The couple retire to a private room
According to custom, all knots must be untied on the groom before he enters the canopy, symbolising his break from all other ties except his new commitment.
He also must not be carrying any money at the time he is getting married.
*Please note that certain weddings of various faiths or types, may require another additional ceremony (register office will suffice), to make it legal in western society. Check with your officiator for confirmation.
