The Ketubah tradition traces back to ancient times, evolving from a custom where both Jews and gentiles provided payment to the bride's family upon marriage. Initially serving as compensation for the bride's family, it later transformed into a payment to the bride upon divorce. Although the Torah mentions settlement payments, it doesn't mandate them as law, with early Ketubah customs involving setting aside money for it. The earliest Ketubahs were oral agreements, later evolving into written documents to safeguard women's rights, legislated around 100 BCE by the Sanhedrin. Dating back to the Babylonian exile of 586-536 BCE, the oldest Ketubahs provided protection for women and proof of purity amidst increasing inter-marriage, with versions in Aramaic from 440 BCE found in Egypt. Today, Ketubahs vary from traditional Aramaic versions to modern adaptations, serving more ceremonially than legally binding documents in most countries outside Israel.

During the Ketubah ceremony, the document is filled out and signed, typically after the rabbi explains its terms. Careful attention is given to details like date, location, and names of the couple and their parents to ensure legitimacy. The ceremony includes a ritual called "kinyan," where the groom bargains for exclusive marital rights with the bride, not acquiring her as property but affirming his obligations. Witnesses sign the document once the kinyan is completed, as required by Jewish law. Although not mandatory, modern couples may choose to sign the Ketubah during the ceremony to symbolize their commitment. The Ketubah takes effect after specific blessings at the wedding ceremony and the couple unites under one roof or spends time alone together.

Different Jewish communities. worldwide developed unique styles of decorating ketubot, reflecting local artistic traditions and cultural norms. For instance, Italian ketubot embraced artistic heritage, while those from Muslim lands avoided human figures due to religious sensitivities. Interestingly, Eastern and Central European Jewish communities, known as Ashkenaz, didn't decorate ketubot as they viewed them more as standard legal documents.

Today, the tradition of decorating ketubahs continues, with couples often opting for personalized styles that reflect their own tastes and values. Contemporary ketubot may feature diverse artistic influences, from traditional calligraphy to modern designs and illustrations. One increasingly popular style is the papercut ketubah, where intricate designs are meticulously cut into a single sheet of paper, creating a delicate and intricate artwork. This technique originated from Jewish communities in Europe and the Middle East, where skilled artisans crafted elaborate papercuts for various ceremonial purposes.