Shulchan Arukh Orach Chayim · Siman 560

Shulchan Arukh Orach Chayim 560 — English translation

Translation: Sefaria Community Translation. Section numbers match the Hebrew text above.

1. 1At the time when the Temple was destroyed, the sages of that generation decreed that one should not paint and mold one's house like the house of kings, but rather one should plaster one's house with mortar and whitewash it with lime. And one should leave a place, a square cubit in size, opposite the entrance, without whitewash. And if one acquires a painted and molded courtyard, this is permitted as it is already like that, and one is not obligated to peel away what is on the walls.
2. 2And similarly, they decreed that one who lays a table for guests should leave something missing and leave a place without a bowl (that would have been suitable to place there). And when someone makes ornaments/jewellery of silver or gold, they should leave one missing from the kinds of ornament which are customary, so the ornament should not be complete. And when the groom marries a woman, take ashes from burnt food and place them on his head, in the place where the Tefilin rest. Gloss: There are places where they are accustomed to breaking a cup during the wedding ceremony, or placing a black cloth or other such items of mourning on the head of the groom. And all these things are in order to remember Jerusalem, as it is said, "If I forget you, Jerusalem...if I do not raise up Jerusalem over the height [head] of my joyfulness..." [Psalm 137:5-6]
3. 3Similarly they decreed not to play [music] with instruments, and musical devices, and all things that make music to rejoice with them. {Gloss: There are those who say, [the prohibition is] specifically for those whom they regularly play them, like for kings who stand and rest to instruments or in the house of a feast. (Tur) } It is forbidden to make them heard because of the destruction, and even song by mouth over wine is forbidden, as it says: "In song one may not drink wine" (Isiah 24:9). And all of Israel is already accustomed to saying words of praise or songs of thanks and remembering the goodnes of the holy one blessed be he over wine. {Gloss: Similarly for the need of a Mitzvah, like for the house of a Groom and Bride, all this is permitted. (Tosefot, Smag, and Hagehot Maymoni)}
4. 4And similarly, (the Sages) decreed on the crowns of grooms not to wear at all, and not dress the groom on his head with any wreath, as it says "Remove the turban and lift off the crown" (Ezekiel 23:31). And similarly it was decreed on the crown of a Bride if it is silver yet of thread is permissible. And this is specifically on a bride and groom, but other people, men and women, it was not decreed.
5. 5It is forbidden for a person to fill his mouth with laughter in this world.

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