The Breaking Glass Jewish Wedding Tradition

Wondering where the breaking glass Jewish wedding tradition comes from and what it means? The breaking of the Jewish wedding glass is at the end of the Jewish wedding ceremony when the groom stomps on a glass to crush it and the guests shout, "Mazel Tov!" or "Siman Tov!"

There are various interpretations of why we do this and where the breaking glass Jewish wedding tradition came from. Here are a few of the most popular explanations:

• Temple: Breaking of the Jewish wedding glass is a reminder of the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem.


• Superstitious: A loud noise is thought to drive away evil spirits.


• Sadness/Joy: A reminder that even in times of great joy that there is sadness. That life will bring sadness as well as joy.


• Hymen: A breaking of the glass represents symbolically the breaking of the hymen, and the consummation of the marriage.


• Fragile: The glass symbolizes the love and relationship of the couple and is fragile, so it must be cared for and not broken.


• Broken World: A reminder that although the couple came together as a single union, the world as a whole is broken and needs mending.


• Marriage is Forever: A broken Jewish wedding glass is forever changed, likewise, the couple are forever changed by the marriage and take on a new form.


• Be Fruitful: A hope that your happiness will be as plentiful as the shards of glass…or that your children will be as plentiful as the shards of glass.

Do It Yourself Jewish Wedding Glass Ideas

Any glass may be used for the Jewish wedding glass, although most couples choose a special glass to be broken and kept. It is commonly wrapped in a cloth napkin (to avoid dangerous glass shards) or enclosed in a pre-made cloth pouch. A "do it yourself" option is to purchase a single colored glass goblet to be used in the breaking glass Jewish wedding tradition. Look for a unique glass at a vintage or used thrift store. If you are planning on keeping the glass shards from the breaking glass consider colored glass instead of clear, especially if you plan to do a craft project with them later. Make certain the glass you choose is not too thick. It needs to be easily broken when stepped on! For this reason, stay away from heavy lead crystal goblets.

Good luck with your wedding planning...Mazel Tov!

It's your wedding, do it the way you want!

For more Jewish wedding crafts, projects, ideas and instructions, go to the Jewish Weddings main section.

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