Jumping the Broom Wedding Ceremony
Take a Leap of Faith with the #1 Wedding Tradition for Black Couples
Image by: Stephanie Rogers
1, 2, 3…. Jump!
Jumping The Broom is a centuries-old tradition that has been embraced by African-Americans for generations.
Today, this cherished ritual is celebrated by countless Black couples around the world who jump over a broom to symbolize the joining of two lives.
But the tradition has a more complex and meaningful history than many realize.
Let’s take a closer look at the origin and symbolism of this ancient custom, explore how to incorporate it into your wedding ceremony, and discover creative ideas for personalizing the tradition.
So, get ready to take a leap of faith as we explore Jumping the Broom; one of the most popualar unity ceremonies.
Written by Robyn Walker, a black wedding officiant in NYC and owner of Robyn Ashley Weddings.
So What is it Exactly?
Jumping the broom is a Black wedding custom where the couple jumps over a decorated broom to seal their union. For many African-Americans, jumping the broom is more than just a wedding tradition; it represents the connection between past and present.
These days, jumping the broom is seen as a way for Black couples to celebrate their heritage and reaffirm their commitment to one another. It is also a way to honor the struggles of their ancestors and their own strength as a family unit.
The Meaning and Significance of the Tradition
It is seen as an act of courage and defiance in the face of formidable obstacles.
Since slave marriages were not legally recognized by the United States government, our foremothers and forefathers truly had to fight for one another.
Modern day couples feel empowered to take on whatever lies ahead of them with resilience and joy as they nurture their bond as a couple. It has also become a popular tradition among multiracial couples as a way to honor both their ancestral roots and their modern identities.
History of Jumping the Broom
Mostly known today as an African-American practice that stems from antebellum slavery in the United States (mid 19th century).
Once African-Americans could have weddings with rings that were recognizable by anyone as a symbol of marriage, the broom ceremony was no longer required.
During this time, jumping the broom fell out of practice from the stigma it carried, and in some cases still carries, among Black people who wanted nothing to do with that era.
However, It saw an explosion in popularity in the 1970s due to the novel and miniseries Roots.
But where did the ritual originally come from?
Africa
Some say that the custom began in West Africa, where there is evidence of brooms being waved over the heads of marrying couples to ward off spirits. The ceremony would sometimes end with a jump over the broom to signify the head of the household based on who jumped the highest.
However, there are plenty of African wedding traditions that have deeper roots in our homeland.
Europe
Dr. Parry, author of “Jumping the Broom: The Surprising Multicultural Origins of a Black Wedding Ritual”, claims that the ancient wedding custom of jumping the broom has deep roots extending as far back as the eighteenth century.
It was a pagan ritual practiced by a variety of marginalized populations within Europe, such as the British Romani, rural Welsh communities, Irish individuals and other similar groups.
As these populations headed to the United States, the ritual was brought along with them and quickly adopted by the enslaved African population in the American South.
Symbolism of Jumping the Broom
The broom is usually made of wood and adorned with ribbons, flowers, and other decorative objects – all of which hold symbolic and spiritual meanings.
Broomstick
The broomstick itself is a representation of cleansing and sweeping away of the old and welcoming of the new.
A religious view suggests the broom represents Jesus who is the strong central structure that connects you to life and each other.
The straws of the broom are your community. Each strand contributes to your strength and effectiveness as a couple.
The couple can be thought of as the strings that bind the broom to the stick (ties that can't be broken).
Ribbons
Similarly, the ribbons are symbolic of binding two souls together in love and tying of two families together.
Couples often use white ribbons which is a sign of purity.
Other Decorations
Finally, the decorative objects can symbolize a shared set of values and beliefs – such as loyalty, stability, and respect.
This can be flowers, beads, or anything you like.
Personalized broom from Etsy.com
How to Incorporate the Tradition into Your Ceremony
Ensuring a successful jumping the broom ceremony is all about the details. Here are some tips for making sure your jump is smooth and picture-perfect:
Tips for Jumping the Broom Successfully
• Make sure everyone knows it’s not a competition and take it slowly!
• Include a meaningful reading or song before the jump.
• Create an altar or vignette, adorned with special objects that represent your families and relationship.
• Use an arrangement of decorations (such as ribbons or decoratively tied bundles of herbs) that fit with the rest of your decorations.
• Ask a family member or close friend to witness the jump and share their blessings with you.
• Plan ahead and have someone ready to take the photos.
FAQs
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After exchanging vows and saying “I do,” the minister will provide a prayer, poem, or explanation of jumping the broom before the couple jumps over the broom placed on the ground, completing the ritual.
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The broom can be a family heirloom, purchased, handmade, or customized by the couple, family members, or someone significant to the couple. Most online retailers, such as Etsy, have a variety of pre-made brooms that can be customized for the couple's stye or wedding colors.
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The officiant often handles this responsibility. But any family member, friend, or significant individual can take on this role.
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The broom usually consists of a wooden handle with natural bristles and is shorter than its average household counterpart (about three feet long). Many couples customize the broom with silk ribbons, flowers, intricate beading/lace, and even names written on decorative paper.
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Couples often save the broom as a keepsake and pass it down to future generations. Additionally, they can hang the broom in their home as a beautiful decoration.
