chuppah

The chuppah, sometimes spelled huppah, is a Jewish wedding canopy used during the marriage ceremony. The term comes from Hebrew kupa, meaning canopy or cover. The chuppah symbolizes the home the couple will build together and is open on all four sides to reflect hospitality and welcome.

Structurally, the chuppah consists of a cloth or other fabric stretched over four poles. It is usually set up at the ceremony site, whether in a synagogue, outdoors, or in another venue, and its size and decoration vary. The poles are often carried by family members or friends or may stand on a frame, while the canopy itself may be white or decorated with flowers, ribbons, or lights.

Under the chuppah, key elements of the wedding ceremony take place. The couple stands together as the rabbi or officiant leads the rites, which commonly include the recitation of the Sheva Brachot (the Seven Blessings) and the exchange of rings. The ceremony typically culminates with the breaking of the glass, a separate ritual performed at or near the conclusion.

Variations exist among Jewish communities. In traditional Orthodox settings the chuppah is kept simply and openly, while many Reform, Conservative, and other communities may use a tallit (prayer shawl) or other fabrics as the canopy, or have the canopy carried by different individuals. Regardless of form, the chuppah remains a central symbol of Jewish wedding ceremonies, representing the couple’s future home and the shared life they begin together.