In a traditional Jewish wedding, a glass is broken at the ceremony’s conclusion.
The groom, and in some modern ceremonies either partner, traditionally places a glass wrapped in cloth beneath a foot and breaks it. Guests then often call out “mazel tov.” The custom is widely connected with remembering the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem, reminding the couple and community that joy exists alongside historical grief.
The breaking of the glass also creates a memorable boundary between the formal ceremony and the celebration that follows. Interpretations differ: some families emphasize remembrance, while others additionally associate the act with the fragility of relationships or the permanence of the couple’s commitment.
The glass-breaking custom is distinct from the Jewish wedding cup used for blessings over wine. It is also separate from the chuppah, the canopy under which the couple stands, and the ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract. Customs vary among Jewish communities, but the broken glass is one of the best-known elements of a Jewish wedding.