Whether or not you’ve attended many (or any) Jewish weddings, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of or seen a “chuppah”—the Jewish wedding canopy. It is a symbol of intimacy that partners share, and the home they will create.

If you’re planning a wedding or attending one, (whether or not you have ever heard of a chuppah or a huppah) this animated short will briefly explain what a chuppah is and some historical Jewish wedding traditions.

While certain traditions appear in most Jewish weddings, there is always room for reinterpretation and reinvention.