why is a glass broken in a jewish wedding ceremony?

Answer 1

I know of two different reasons...

One closesly linked to the history of Judaism -
This custom dates back to Talmudic times and symbolises the sadness felt by the Jewish people by the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in ancient times. This custom is also intended to unite the bride and groom with the spiritual and national destiny of the Jewish people. This tradition differs in Israel where the glass is broken earlier in the ceremony prior to the reading of the marriage contract.

And one more symbolic -
The breaking of the wine glass, or in more recent history, a light bulb, serves as a metaphor for the success of the marriage. i.e. - May your love and relationship last as long as it will take for these broken pieces to find their way back together.

Answer 2

At the very end of the ceremony, a glass is placed on the floor, and the groom shatters it with his foot. This act serves as an expression of sadness at the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and identifies the couple with the spiritual and national destiny of the Jewish people. A Jew, even at the moment of greatest rejoicing, is always mindful of the Psalmist's injunction to "set Jerusalem above my highest joy."

Others explain that this is the last time the groom gets to "put his foot down."

(In Israel, the glass is broken earlier, prior to the reading of the Ketubah.)

This marks the conclusion of the ceremony. With shouts of "Mazel Tov," the groom and bride are then given an enthusiastic reception from the guests as they leave the chuppah together.

Answer 3

I would say a glass is broken in a jewish wedding ceremony for good luck.

Answer 4

It represents the fragility of life. That the marriage will last until the glass is restored to it's original design.

A lot of other couples that are not of the Jewish faith are adopting this rite. Then the shards are framed or placed in some sort of container or design .

Answer 5

There are several explanations, ranging from it being a reminder of the destruction of the Temple to a reminder that marriage is fragile to a symbolic sexual-anthropological meaning, where the breaking represents the breaking of the bride's hymen and the consummation of the marriage.

Answer 6

Because the Jews are closely related to the Greeks. And the Greek culture also smashes glass in celebration. For example in nightclubs they break tons of plates. It's considered good luck.

Answer 7

They have one too many people for dinner.

Answer 8

maybe because it's tradition. :P