Jumping the Broom
Broom Jumping has become one of the most popular
African traditions at weddings - traditional and African-centered.
According to Harriette Cole in her book, "Jumping the
Broom." The ritual itself was created by our ancestors during
slavery.
Because slaves could not legally marry, they
created their own rituals to honor their unions. Some say broom
jumping comes from an African tribal marriage ritual of placing sticks
on the ground representing the couple's new home.
The jumping of the broom is a symbol of sweeping
away of the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of a new beginning.
Today the ceremony can be performed at the wedding
after the minister pronounces the couple man and wife or at the
reception just after the bridal party enters the reception area.
How to perform a broom jumping ceremony?
Supplies: Broom, Ribbon
A fully decorated broom can be purchased at ethnic stores, or a
regular household broom will suffice. Broom sizes will vary, but it
doesn't matter which you choose. If you decide to use your own broom
and decorate it yourself, be sure it coordinates with your wedding
colors. Using your own broom can also be a great bonding activity for
the bridesmaids, perhaps the night, or week before the wedding.
Feel free to use bows, flowers (artificial or
real), or other trinkets to make it unique. But don't overdo it.
You'll probably want this for a keepsake in your home. Another idea is
to have a basket full of ribbon pieces at the wedding or reception and
allow guests to tie ribbons around the broom before you begin the
ceremony. This allows the audience to participate, which is in keeping
with the African tradition of community involvement.
The Ceremony
Have your host ask guests to form a circle around the couple as they
stand in front of the broom on the floor.
The host should discuss the symbolism behind the
broom as it relates to the joining of the couple and the combining of
two families, and the need for the community to support the couple.
Meanwhile have the couple hold the broom handle together and sweep
around in a circle until the host or designated person is finished
talking.
The groom should then place the broom on the floor
and hold the bride's hand.
Have everyone count 1, 2, 3... Jump!
For more information about Broom Jumping, check out
Harriette Cole's "Jumping the Broom: The African-American
Wedding Planner" and "Jumping the Broom: Wedding Workbook."
It's an excellent resource for anyone planning a wedding traditional
or African-centered.
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