The Jewish religion has been around for over 3 000 years and there are an estimated 70 000 people living in South Africa that practice the Judaism. Various traditions and rituals are performed during the union of a couple, but what exactly happens at a traditional Jewish wedding?
Pre wedding
Kabbalat Panim
– This is when the soon-to-be wed couple refrain from seeing each other for one whole week before the wedding. By doing so excitement is created between the couple and they are overjoyed once they lay their eyes on each other again.
Fasting
– The happy couple will fast on their big day. It is viewed as being similar to the fast on Yom Kippur. After the ceremony the couple will share their first meal together and break their fast.
Bedeken
– The groom makes sure the woman he is about to marry is his partner. Once he sets eyes upon her, he proceeds to remove the veil over her face. The veil is a sign of modesty and symbolises that their love is not based on physical appearance but on what’s on inside. This tradition stems back to biblical times when Jacob was tricked into marrying his partner’s sister. The trickery took place because she wore a veil.
Ketubah
– This document details the grooms responsibilities to his partner. It’s a promise of their love and what’s to come. The love birds will sit side by side and overlook their unifying document. It is then signed by both of them. Two people should be present to witness this promise and commitment.
Wedding
Chuppah
– As the union begins the groom will make his way down the aisle with both parents at his side. The bride then follows with her parents. The couple make their way to the Chuppah which is basically like a canopy. The Chuppah needs to have four corners and be covered by a roof. The Chuppah is a symbol of the new home the married couple will build together.
Circle
– This tradition requires the bride to circle her partner seven times. The custom began because it was believed to create a protection for the partner.
Sheva B’rachot
– This means seven blessings. It’s derived from ancient teachings and can be recited in Hebrew or English. The blessings translate to celebration, power of love and the joy of this union. It will usually be recited over a cup of wine and then the couple will sip from a cup to seal the blessing.
Breaking the glass
– The nuptials are then concluded with the man standing on a glass in a cloth bag. It stands for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Basically meaning that even in most joyous occasions you must not forget all the pain in the world. Everyone then shouts Mazel Tov! Which means congratulations or good luck.
Post ceremony
Yichud
– This tradition sees the newly wed couple reflect on their recent marriage. They will go to a secluded spot and spend a few minutes alone together. They are able to bond and share this special time together without any disturbances to focus on each other. Their attention is completely on each other.
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These two really brought the sunshine. Smiles from start to finish and we ? it
Image: Wesley Vorster Photography
After binging the wedding movie watch list there are a few wedding dresses we just simply can’t forget. Even though none of the marriages are real, we can’t…
The wedding reception normally involves speeches, food, drinks, dancing and laughter. For most people, drinks are a crucial social element a party cannot be without, but not everyone enjoys an alcoholic beverage. So what can you do to spice up your non-alcoholic options? We’ve got the solution:
Presentation
Before thinking about anything else, considering how you’d like to present your drinks is important. Serve up your non-alcoholic beverages with style by using snazzy straws (eco-friendly please), adding fruity or leafy finishings and serving them in elegant or stylish glasses. If you’re not wanting to make individual drinks then serve your drinks, such as refreshing lemonade or home-made ice tea, in beautiful glass beverage dispensers. The way you display things makes a big impact.
Mocktails
If you have a favourite cocktail, then change it up to exclude the alcohol element. This way you can have tasty alternatives that are still on par with the rest of the drink options. Making your own mix is another great idea and it could be your wedding’s signature mocktail. Creating a special drink is definitely a step up than just serving juice or water, while remaining inclusive of all your guests.
Poppin’ Bottles
There’s nothing wrong with serving non-alcoholic beers, wine and champagne. Chances are, people may not even notice, especially if it’s good quality, and they’ll thank you when they wake up fresh as a daisy the next day.
Plain and simple
Serve your cooldrinks in their original glass bottles for a retro touch.
Childish Delight
Most people think weddings need to have alcohol or more ‘mature’ drinks, but who doesn’t love a great chocolate milkshake? Opt for a few milkshake options and hot chocolate to bring out the kid in everyone!
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The first-look is the initial glimpse that your partner sees when you make your way down the aisle. Traditionally, your partner doesn’t see the grand wedding outfit until…
Your wedding is approaching and planning is in full swing. You’ve thought about the outfit, the food, but what about the flowers? Flowers are used for your bouquet, boutonniere, decor, garlands, nosegays and more. Maybe you have an idea of which predominant flowers you’d like but how many of them are actually in season?
Normally you can only get specific flowers in season when they bloom. This can be very unfortunate when you’re looking for something specific. Some brides end up importing flowers which can be quite costly.
South Africa’s weather is usually warmer year round and therefore not as defined. The country is incredibly fortunate when it comes to flowers. With over 9000 species of fynbos, there shouldn’t be any issues with finding flowers, but it may be hard to decide! Here are a few in-season flower options:
Spring and Summer in-season flowers
- Hibiscus
- Hydrangea
- Peony
- Roses
- Lavender
- Dahlias
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#flowers #dahlia #dahlias #victoriaparkswansea #flowersofinstagram Aug 5, 2019
Autumn and Winter in-season flowers
- Daffodil
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Happy Daffodil Day ??? . . . . . #blissfulblooms #daffodil #happydaffodilday
- Protea
- Hyacinth
- Snapdragon
- Anthurium
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Anthurium 8 settembre 2018 #fiori #balconifioriti #anthurium #settembre2018 #estate2018
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With so many beauty trends out there, constantly being reinvented, it’s difficult to choose exactly what you want your make-up to look like on your wedding day. Take…
An engagement usually includes a ring. Your partner gets down on one knee and pops the question. A beautiful ring is placed on your finger and you’re over the moon with happiness. When the big day finally comes is the same ring used? If not what happens to the ring? What is the difference between the engagement and wedding ring?
Timing
One big difference between the two rings is the timing. The engagement ring is given when your partner proposes. The wedding ring is exchanged between the couple on their big day.
Design
Usually but not always its the design of the two rings that differs too. The engagement ring is meant to make a statement and have a massive wow factor. It is meant to be an indicator of your partners wealth. It typically has a large beautiful stone or consists of many small ones. With that being said this is by no means necessary. Many couples opt for simple rings and have no desire for elaborate expensive rings. The wedding ring is normally quite simple and plain. It is usually a lot cheaper as it’s not as elaborate as the engagement ring.
Should you wear both rings at the same time, if you have both?
Your engagement ring will be worn for the full duration of the engagement up until the big day. Many people wear both after the wedding day or opt for only one. This is why the rings are generally purchased as a set. When buying both rings together as a set they match. This means that after the wedding you can wear both rings with ease.
Problems occur when the rings don’t match. It often looks odd or don’t fit together on the same finger and can become uncomfortable. It can be quite difficult to find two different rings that match when worn together.
The rings are worn on the fourth finger on the left hand. The vein in the ring finger is believed to be closest to your heart. It is called the vena amoris which means the vein of love.
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