Rhiannon Hendricks
Breaking a glass is a well-known tradition at Jewish weddings. The glass is typically wrapped in a cloth or napkin and placed in front of the groom, to be broken by the groom or the couple together. The fragments are often kept and displayed in the marital home, either as they are or incorporated into a decorative object such as a picture frame or a mezuzah.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who breaks the glass | Traditionally, the groom broke the glass; today, some couples break the glass together or break two glasses. |
| What type of glass | You can break any kind of glass: old, new, borrowed, or blue. |
| How is the glass broken | The glass is usually wrapped in a cloth or napkin and placed on the floor in front of the groom. |
| What happens after the glass is broken | Everyone yells "Mazel Tov", which means ""good luck" in Yiddish. |
| What happens to the glass shards | Many couples choose to have something made from their glass, such as a mosaic in a frame or a mezuzah case. |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition of breaking the glass
The glass is typically wrapped in a cloth napkin, linen, or a satin/velvet pouch to prevent injury, and placed on the floor in front of the groom. The couple then smashes the glass together, or each breaks a glass, concluding the ceremony with a loud bang. This is followed by a communal "Mazel Tov!" or "good fortune" in Yiddish, and the singing of Siman Tov u'Mazel Tov.
The act of breaking the glass symbolises several things. The fragility of the glass is said to reflect the frailty of human relationships, with the implied prayer being, "As this glass shatters, so may our marriage never break". The loud noise is also believed to scare away evil spirits attracted to the happy couple. Additionally, the custom is seen as a reminder of the destruction faced by the Jewish people over the centuries, commemorating their suffering.
Some couples choose to incorporate the shards of the broken glass into a decorative piece, such as a mosaic, to display in their marital home as a reminder of this significant moment.
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The glass's wrapping
The glass-breaking ceremony is a defining moment in a Jewish wedding, signifying a moment of happiness and reflection. The glass, which can be old, new, borrowed, or blue, is usually wrapped in a heavy cloth napkin to muffle the sound and prevent injury. However, some couples opt for a satin or velvet pouch or bag, which can be more aesthetically pleasing.
The glass is typically placed on the floor in front of the groom, who then smashes it with their foot. This act symbolises the fragility of human relationships and serves as a reminder that even the strongest love is fragile and must be treated with care. The loud noise created by breaking the glass is also believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck to the newlyweds.
After the ceremony, some couples choose to incorporate the shards of glass into decorative pieces, such as mezuzah cases, picture frames, or candlesticks, turning them into meaningful mementos of their special day. These keepsakes can be handcrafted by artists or purchased from specialised websites.
The glass-wrapping plays a crucial role in the ceremony, ensuring safety and adding a layer of symbolism to the ritual. The choice of wrapping material, whether a simple napkin or a luxurious pouch, reflects the couple's personal style and their interpretation of this timeless tradition.
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The glass's colour
The colour of the glass used in Jewish wedding ceremonies varies. There is no standard colour, and the glass can be old, new, borrowed, or blue. The colour of the glass is not significant to the ceremony, and the choice is entirely up to the couple.
Many couples choose to have something made from the shards of the glass after the wedding, such as a mosaic in a frame or another decorative item. For this reason, some couples opt for a coloured or multi-coloured vessel, knowing that it will look great displayed in their home.
The glass is usually wrapped in a cloth or napkin before being smashed, so the colour may not be visible to guests during the ceremony. The colour of the cloth or napkin can be chosen to complement the wedding colour scheme or the couple's personal preference.
The tradition of breaking the glass at a Jewish wedding is a joyous and memorable moment that signifies happiness and reflection. The fragility of the glass symbolises the frailty of human relationships, and the breaking of the glass is an incantation: "As this glass shatters, so may our marriage never break."
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What to do with the shards
The shards of glass from a Jewish wedding can be used to create a memento or keepsake of the special day. Many couples choose to have something made from their glass shards, such as a mosaic in a frame or another decorative item. Some couples opt for a functional Judaica item, such as a mezuzah, kiddush cup, or picture frame. These items can be displayed in the marital home, serving as a reminder of the love and commitment shared between the couple.
There are artists and artisans who specialise in creating these mementos from glass shards. Couples can work with them to design and create a unique piece that holds special meaning for them. Some couples may opt for a coloured or multi-coloured vessel, knowing that it will make a beautiful addition to their home.
There are also do-it-yourself (DIY) options available for couples who want to create their own mementos. Kits are available that provide the necessary materials and instructions for making a mezuzah case or other items. These kits can be purchased or even gifted to engaged couples as a unique and meaningful present.
Some couples may choose to incorporate the glass shards into their home decor in other ways, such as by placing them in candlesticks or displaying them in a bowl or orb. These options allow the couple to showcase the shards in a way that is meaningful to them while also adding a personal touch to their living space.
The glass shards from a Jewish wedding are not just discarded but are given new life as cherished reminders of the couple's love and commitment. Whether through the creation of a bespoke artwork or a DIY project, the shards become a lasting symbol of the couple's special day and the start of their married life together.
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The meaning of Mazel Tov
At Jewish weddings, it is customary to wrap a glass in a heavy cloth napkin, a satin pouch, or a velvet bag and then break it. The custom dates back to the writing of the Talmud, where Mar bar Rabina broke an expensive goblet to sober up rabbis who were very gay at his son's marriage feast. The glass-breaking ceremony has many interpretations. Some believe that it is a reminder of the fragility of life and human relationships, while others believe that it is a way to ward off evil spirits. The custom is also said to symbolise the destruction faced by the Jewish people over the centuries.
The breaking of the glass is followed by a communal "Mazel Tov", which is a Jewish phrase used to express congratulations for a happy and significant occasion. The phrase "Mazel Tov" is derived from the Biblical Hebrew word "mazzāl", which means "constellation" or "astrological sign". It may be related to the root "נ-ז-ל" meaning "to flow down". "Mazel Tov" means "good fortune" in Yiddish and is the equivalent of saying "Congratulations!". The phrase "Mazel Tov" is also used as a personal name.
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Frequently asked questions
Breaking the glass is a joyous tradition that signifies a moment of happiness and reflection. The fragility of the glass suggests the frailty of human relationships.
You can break any kind of glass: old, new, borrowed, or blue. Whatever you choose, it should be well wrapped to prevent injury, usually in a cloth or napkin.
Traditionally, the groom broke the glass alone; today, some couples break the glass together or break two glasses.
After the glass is broken, everyone yells "Mazel tov" or "Mazal tov", which means "good luck" or "congratulations" in Yiddish.
Many couples choose to have something made from their glass shards, such as a mosaic, a picture frame, a mezuzah, or a kiddush cup.
