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What is the source of the Kallah circling the Chasan 7 times?

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The Kallah encircles the Chosson seven times under the chuppah, from the verse "A woman shall go around a man." (Jeremiah 31:22)The act also recalls the seven times Tefillin straps are wrapped around The arm. Just as a man binds himself in love of Hashem, so is his bond in love to the Bride. The number seven represents the completion of the seven day process in which earth was created. During these seven days, the earth revolved on its axis seven times. Since marriage reenacts the creative process, the Kallah's encirclement symbolizes the repetition of these seven rotations.The Chosson is compared to a king. Just as the king is encircled by his legion, the groom is to be encircled by his bridal entourage.

Summarized from:Jewish Wedding Traditions

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Any sources from Sefarim? – Gershon Gold Jan 18 '11 at 12:12
They are from sefarim – SimchasTorah Jan 18 '11 at 14:04
Which ones? – Gershon Gold Jan 18 '11 at 15:22
@Gershon Gold: I'm surprised that there isn't any connection to Israel's circling of Jericho (Josh. 6:1-27). I always considered that an act of possession, just as Abraham was commanded to walk the length and width of the Land (Gen. 13:17). See also Ps. 48:12. So when the bride circles, she stakes her claim. Also, metaphorically, the wall of negiah that has kept the couple apart collapses, just as the walls of Jericho did. I'm stil looking for a published source for that thought, although Rabbi Dr. Barry Fruendel told me he has used the analogy at weddings. – Bruce James Jan 22 at 15:15

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