Double Happiness
This unique Ketubah design is inspired by the Chinese character "shuang xi" or "double happiness" and symbolizes the union three unique cultures- Chinese, Jewish and American. The design embeds English verses and its Hebrew equivalent inside the Chinese character. The character Xi (喜) in Chinese means happiness. When two Xis are placed next to each other they form a new character also pronounced Xi but which means “Double Happiness” (双喜)— symbolizing the compounding of happiness within a marriage. The Double Happiness character has been used for thousands of years in China to celebrate love and marriage. It is often used to decorate newly-weds homes, cars and the wedding ceremony.
Symbolism within the Design
Lucky Red— The color red is an auspicious color in Chinese tradition. Unlike Western weddings, white is traditionally a color of mourning and would be used for funeral rites.
Seal - Between the signing area is a seal with the archaic Chinese character for love.
Ribbon Designs— There are various ribbon designs used throughout the piece which echoes the Chinese concept of fate. It is believed that two people who love each other are joined by a red thread tying them together and that no matter how far or how improbable their meetings may be, they will eventually find each other. For two Americans to meet in a tropical island country all the way across the world surely give some credence to this.
Calligraphic Script Used
Unical and Hebrew Scripts — The English script used is a form of the Unical script which was developed and used extensively in the 3rd to 6th centuries. The Hebrew script is my own script design, modified from standard foundational hand.
The border script is uncial, written in micro-script and echo the language used the text.
Ketubha Text- English
This is my beloved. This is my friend. For human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls that are destined to be together find each other, their streams of light flow together and a single, brighter light goes forth from their united being. This certificate celebrates before God & all those present that on the ____ day of the week, the ____ day of Month in the year ____corresponding to ____ at Place at City, State/Country, the Holy Covenant of marriage was entered into between the Groom Name of groom, son of ____ and ___ and the Bride Name of Bride, daughter of ____ and ____. We pledge to each other to be loving friends and partners in marriage; to talk and listen, to trust and appreciate one another; to respect and cherish each other; and to support, comfort and strengthen each other through life's sorrows and joys. We further promise to share hopes, thoughts and dreams as we build our lives together. May we grow our lives ever intertwined, our love bringing us closer. We shall endeavor to establish a home that is compassionate to all wherein the flow of the seasons and the passage of life, as witnessed by our mutual traditions, are revered and honored. May our home be forever filled with peace, happiness, and love.
Ketubah Text- Hebrew
Please contact us for Hebrew translation.
Customization
Orders of Giclee Prints will include complimentary calligraphic fill in of brides and groom's specific information. (see text for where). Note due to the unique layout of this ketubah, such information may be filled in using smaller font size. The client is asked to provided exact Hebrew text (in standard type written Hebrew) for customization of the Hebrew side.
All Giclee Prints will be signed by the Artist on the back.
For completely hand calligraphed version of this design, please email us.
Size and Material
Giclee Prints: 1 to 1 Poster Sized- 52x75cm (20x29in) on archival bamboo paper (non-acidic) - including name customization by hand - $600
100% Hand Calligraphy: ~52x75cm (20x29in) Gouache on archival heavy weight handmade paper - Price upon request