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CHUPAH - Wedding Ceremony Under the Canopy

The wedding ceremony takes place under the open sky, recalling the blessing of G-d to Abraham that his seed be as numerous as the stars.

The Chupah is reminiscent of Ruth's saying to Boaz "spread your robe over your handmaid."

It also represents the desire that their home be under the protection and guidance of G-d Al-mighty.

Chassidic philosophy teaches that several generations of departed ancestors of the newly wedded couple descend from the "world of truth" to attend the wedding of their progeny.

The Choson escorted by his father and father-in-law, and others, proceed to the Chupah, followed by the bride who is escorted by her mother and mother-in-law and other women.

This procession signifies the Kallah's transition from her parents' home to her husband's. The groom awaiting the arrival of the bride symbolizes his welcoming her into his new "home."

The Unterfirers, the couples escorting the Choson and Kallah to the Chupah, each carry a lit candle.

One explanation for this custom is that candles are reminiscent of the flickering light and fire which occurred at the marriage of G-d (the Choson) and Israel (the Kallah) under the "Chupah"
of Mt. Sinai at the giving of the Torah.

Here too, while escorting the bride and groom to the Chupah, the "Alter Rebbe's Niggun of Four Stanzas" is solemnly sung.

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