Weddings are so steeped in tradition that it’s hard to imagine one without at least a few customs. From the bouquet toss to the white gown, there are a lot of things that make a wedding feel like, well, a wedding. But one tradition that might not be as well-known (depending on your cultural background) is jumping the broom. The roots of this ceremony are in the history of Black slavery in America, but jumping the broom has taken on a larger, more symbolic meaning in recent times.
A Brief History of Jumping the Broom
The exact origins of broom-jumping are unclear, but it’s generally agreed upon that it was brought over to America by enslaved West Africans. During the time of slavery in the US, slaves weren’t given many rights, including the right to marry. Often, enslaved couples would perform their own ceremonies that involved various customs to solidify their commitment to each other. One of these customs was sweeping a broom over the spot where they stood, symbolizing the casting away of the old and the beginning of something new. For couples who couldn’t have an official marriage ceremony, jumping the broom was seen as a valid way to legitimize their union. As slavery ended and Black people were allowed to marry legally, broom-jumping faded away to some extent.
However, in the 1970s, with the rise of Black pride and cultural awareness, there was a resurgence of interest in the broom-jumping tradition. It was seen as a way to reclaim what had been lost during slavery, and to honor the strength of those who had come before. Today, not only do Black couples incorporate this custom into their wedding ceremonies, but people of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds are jumping the broom as a way to symbolize their commitment to each other.
What Does Jumping the Broom Symbolize?
The act of jumping the broom is, on its surface, a simple one: the couple jumps over a broom that is lying on the ground. But what does it actually signify?
For some, jumping the broom is a way to show respect to their ancestors and to acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices of previous generations. It’s a connection to the past that serves as a reminder to honor those who came before. It can also be seen as a way to declare the couple’s new union in the face of societal oppression. There’s something powerful and defiant in performing a tradition that was born out of a time when being in love and committing to each other was not only frowned upon but punishable.
But beyond its historical roots, jumping the broom can also hold a deeply personal meaning for each couple. It’s a way to celebrate their love and commitment to each other, to sweep away any negative energy or past hurt, and to usher in a new phase of their lives together. It can be seen as a symbol of unity and strength, a unification of two individuals into a single, powerful force.
How to Incorporate Broom-Jumping into Your Wedding Ceremony
If you’re considering jumping the broom at your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, it’s important to get a broom that feels special to you. While any broom will do, you might want to consider purchasing a broom that is handmade, decorated, or personalized in some way. This will make the ceremony feel more meaningful and unique to you.
Second, think about the placement of the broom and how you want to incorporate it into your ceremony. Some couples choose to have the broom at the beginning or end of the ceremony, while others have it as a separate ritual unto itself. There’s no “right” way to include jumping the broom, so do what feels most natural to you.
Finally, make sure you communicate with your guests. Not everyone will be familiar with the tradition of jumping the broom, so you might want to include a brief explanation in your program or ceremony script. This will help everyone feel involved and engaged with the ceremony.
Conclusion
Jumping the broom is a beautiful and powerful wedding tradition that has its roots in the history of Black slavery in America. It’s a way to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. While the act itself is simple, the meaning behind it is profound. If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful way to symbolize your commitment to your partner, consider jumping the broom at your wedding ceremony.
FAQ
Where does the tradition of jumping the broom come from?
The tradition of jumping the broom is a ritual that is often associated with African American weddings. However, the history of this tradition spans over many cultures and time periods. The origins of jumping the broom can be traced back to the British Isles and the Romani and Celtic traditions pre-dating Christianity. These communities used brooms, made from natural grasses and herbs, to symbolize sweeping out bad spirits and welcoming positive energy.
In these cultures, jumping the broom symbolized a public declaration of love and commitment to one’s partner. The act of jumping the broom together was considered to be a gesture of good luck and was also believed to seal the marriage. Many rural Anglo-Saxons in Great Britain also embraced this tradition.
When European colonizers brought slaves from West Africa to the United States, they brought with them their own cultural traditions, including the practice of jumping the broomstick as part of wedding ceremonies. Because marriages between enslaved Africans were not legally recognized, jumping the broom served as a way for couples to commit to one another and to honor their love in a meaningful way.
In the United States, during the era of slavery, slaves were prohibited from marrying legally and often had to devise their own rituals and customs to solidify their unions. Jumping the broom thus became a symbol of defiance to the oppressive laws forbidding African American marriages.
After slavery was abolished in 1865, the tradition of jumping the broom was largely abandoned as many African Americans began to adopt more mainstream wedding customs. However, during the Black cultural renaissance of the 1960s and 1970s, Black Americans began to revisit and reclaim many of their cultural traditions, including the practice of jumping the broom at weddings.
Today, jumping the broom has become a popular tradition in African American weddings, as well as weddings in other cultures. It is a powerful symbol of unity, love, and resilience, representing the coming together of two families and the start of a new life together.
When should a couple jump the broom?
Jumping the broom is a popular tradition in some African American wedding ceremonies. The broom symbolizes sweeping away the old and jumping into the new chapter of a couple’s life. But the question remains: when is the most appropriate time for a couple to jump the broom during their wedding?
Generally, the broom is placed in front of the couple at the very end of the wedding ceremony – after they have exchanged their vows, exchanged rings, and been pronounced as married. The broom is typically placed on a decorated mat or table in front of the couple by a member of the wedding party.
The act of jumping the broom should be seen as a personal preference between the couple. A couple may choose to jump the broom immediately after being pronounced as married, or they may choose to wait until after their first kiss as a married couple. Some couples also choose to perform the jumping of the broom after their wedding ceremony during the reception as part of the festivities.
Another factor to consider for a couple when deciding when to jump the broom is the layout of the wedding venue. Jumping the broom requires a specific space where the couple can easily jump over the broom without any obstacles or risk of injury. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a location where there is enough space for the couple to jump without any hindrances.
There is no set rule on when a couple should jump the broom during their wedding. The choice is entirely up to the couple and their preferences. When deciding, a couple should make sure they have enough space to perform the tradition safely. Jumping the broom is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that can add a special touch to any wedding ceremony.
What do you say when jumping the broom?
Jumping the broom is a popular tradition that has its origins in African American slave weddings, where it was a symbolic act of ceremonially uniting two people. Today, many couples from all backgrounds choose to incorporate this beautiful and meaningful tradition into their wedding ceremonies. As a helpful assistant, I can say that when jumping the broom, the couple is usually standing facing each other. The broom is then placed on the ground and the couple holds hands while jumping over the broom together. While different couples may choose to say different things during the ceremony, some popular phrases include “Today, we honor and respect this legacy and heritage as well as symbolize the coming together of both families,” or “As we jump, we physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the land of matrimony.” Additionally, some couples choose to incorporate personal vows or quotes that represent their unique love and commitment to each other. Whatever the couple chooses to say, jumping the broom represents a significant moment of unity and commitment, and is a beautiful and meaningful addition to any wedding ceremony.