Drinking
from the wine glass and then crushing it is a tradition with many
meanings. One is that it is a reminder of the hardships endured
throughout life. Another can be summed up in “what has been will
never be the same, can never be the same, can never be put back together
again.” Finally, it served as a reminder about marriage. Drinking
the wine represents the joys and sweetness of life, and crushing the
glass represents the hardships.”
(Bride
and groom each drink from the wine glass. Groom breaks the glass.)
BREAKING GLASS CEREMONY
(light bulb wrapped in napkin is used)
At
the end of some ceremonies, we hear bells ringing, and of others,
the breaking of glass. Among the many interpretations of these two
customs, one is that the loud noise of both the bells and the breaking
of the glass scares away evil spirits wishing harm to the newly married
couple.
Breaking a glass summons the notion that sweetness can only exist
alongside bitterness—breaking the glass reminds us that although
this wedding has provided joy, the world is still in turmoil and requires
our care and love. Its breaking is not only a reminder of sorrow,
but also an expression of hope for a future free from all violence.
Frailty
of the glass also suggests the frailty of human relationships.
The glass, then, is broken to protect the marriage with an implied
prayer, “As this glass shatters, so may your marriage never break”.
The tradition of the breaking of the glass is a symbolic prayer
and hope that your love for one another will remain until the
pieces of this glass come together again. It is also a reminder that
in the midst of all our rejoicing we should be mindful of al the want,
pain and suffering that exist elsewhere in the world.
Let
us, with this symbol, be particularly mindful of the needless barriers
that people erect between one another, and try to think with the breaking
of the glass, of breaking down those barriers and helping to build
a world of respect, unity and peace.”
And
now may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His
countenance to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May the Lord
lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace this day and all
your days. Amen.
Breaking of the Glass: Groom breaks the Glass
You may kiss your bride.
