The chupah is the canopy under which the bride and groom and other wedding participants stand during the traditional Jewish marriage ceremony. It represents the new home the bride and groom will make together. The chupah can be simple, just a tallit (a fringed prayer shawl), or very elaborate. Many couples purchase or have custom-made a chupah to represent their personal histories and aspirations for the future. Some synagogues keep a chupah for wedding services. It is often decorated with flowers; fringes are traditional. The chupah is suspended by four posts, either posted into the ground, or more traditionally, held by friends of the bride and groom. It is open on four sides to recall how Abraham's home had entrances on all four sides to welcome visitors, from wherever they came.