The Hebrew tradition of the veiling of the bride stems from the biblical story of Rebecca; veiling herself before meeting her husband Isaac. Tradition states: when Rebecca went to Isaac’s family’s area, she saw a man in a field and asked who he was; the reply was Isaac your husband to be; at that point Rebecca placed her veil over herself. Many see the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca as a marriage made in heaven and with great reverence the tradition of the veiling the bride was incorporated into Jewish wedding ceremonies.
For the “veiling of the bride” the groom’s father and the bride’s father along with the Rabbi and other members of the wedding party escort the groom to the bride’s reception area (this would be where the bride has gathered her brides maids and the female members of the bridal party). The groom approaches the bride and covers her face with a veil. The groom and the others leave the bridal reception area and await the bride at the chuppah (marriage canopy).
The veil symbolizes two things: first, it symbolizes modesty and that the soul and character are more important than physical beauty; the second, signals a commitment of the groom to clothe and protect his bride.
This is just one of many wedding customs where the bridal veil becomes a part of the marriage ceremony. Wedding traditions add to the importance of the day. Need to find a veil for your wedding or other wedding accessories? Wedding and Party Network can provide the wedding sources you need to make your dreams come true.
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