What is the meaning of the seven circles or hakafot around the groom?

Short answer

The seven circles, called hakafot, are walked around the bride in many Ashkenazi traditions as a symbol of protection, enclosure and the building of a new home together. Each circle represents a layer of love and commitment.

In many Jewish weddings, the groom walks around the bride seven times while the guests watch. This act is known as hakafot. It is rooted in the idea of creating a protective circle around the couple and symbolises the building of their home and life together. The number seven also echoes the seven days of creation, suggesting a new beginning.

Customs vary by community. In some traditions the bride walks around the groom instead, while in others both partners circle each other. Some couples skip the circles entirely and focus on the chuppah and the blessings. The meaning is personal, so discuss it with your rabbi or officiant before the day. If you choose to include it, you can decide who leads and how slowly the procession moves.

Guests should follow the couple's lead and stay seated unless asked to join. The circles are usually accompanied by singing or quiet applause, depending on the style of the service. For the legal side, hakafot are a religious custom and do not affect the civil registration. If you are combining a Jewish ceremony with a legal one, confirm with the register office or your place of worship that everything is in order.