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.
Book Excerpts:
monthly
Jumping the Broom
