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Jumping the Broom

Jumping the Broom

Jumping the Broom

Jumping the broom is a phrase and custom relating to wedding ceremonies in different cultural traditions: "many diverse cultures, those of Africa − Europe including Scotland, Hungary, United Kingdom, especialy those in Whales – include brooms at wedding rituals."

There is an ongoing debate as to the exact origin or origins.

But more commonly here in America it has been an African - American tradition which is growing and regaining popularity today

Today variations of this ritual are practiced by Welsh, Celtics and Druids as well as the nomadic Romani. In fact, the earliest mention of this tradition is tied to the Romani and dates back to the 18th century. Today, common-law broomstick weddings are still practiced in some parts of Wales as a centuries-old custom called priodas coes ysgub.

Along with this heritage, some say jumping the broom comes from an African marriage ritual which was practiced in the U.S. during the days of slavery when blacks weren't allowed to marry. However, others attribute this as a practice taken from the whites. Either way, secret ceremonies were held as black couples committed themselves to each other by stepping over a broomstick in front of family and friends.

Now the tradition is practiced as a folk tradition in various parts of the world from Eastern Europe to the Americas.

Jumping the Broom - is a ceremony in which the bride and groom, either at the ceremony or at the reception, signify their entrance into a new life and their creation of a new family by symbolically "sweeping away" their former single lives, former problems and concerns, and jumping over the broom to enter upon a new adventure as wife and husband.  In most cases, the Jumping the Broom takes place at the end of the ceremony.

At the wedding ceremony:

At the end of the ceremony, after the officiate presents the couple as husband and wife, an attendant or special person chosen by the bride and groom places the broom across the aisle.  The couple holds hands and jumps over the broom as they walk back down the aisle together.   To show their love and commitment as they take a Leap of Faith into their new life together....

At the Reception: the guest gather around in a circle around the couple 

Someone first explains the symbolism of the broom- the joining of the couple, the combining of two families, the need for the community to support the couple, and the honoring of a rich cultural heritage.  Meanwhile the couple may hold the broom handle together and sweep around in a circle. 

The groom places the broom on the floor. 

Everyone counts, "1, 2, 3... Jump!"

While holding hands, the couple jumps over the broom.

A Besom Broom Used for Broom Jumping

The type of broom used in these ceremonies was besom brooms constructed by tying twigs or straw together against a strong rod or stick. Back in the 18th century, brooms were found just inside the door to every home with bristles up to ward off evil spirits and to protect the home and all who lived there.

Sometimes it was hung over the door with the bristles facing opening of the door for good luck. It was considered one of the first lines of defense for the homemaker.

Today, jumping the broom is thought to represent the couple entering a new life together, and sweeping away their single lives including former problems and concerns.

While we can dispute where and how jumping the broom started, I'd rather focus on variations of the practice as wedding planners have started to include the custom today. Jumping the broom can take place at the church, the reception, the couples' new home, and is often included in neo-pagan