Jumping the Broom is an African American tradition, dating back to the time when slaves in this country were not permitted to marry. Instead, they jumped a broom as a way of ceremonially uniting. Today it represents great joy and at the same time serves as a reminder of the past and the pain of slavery.
As a couple jumps the broom, they physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the land of matrimony. It marks the beginning of making a home together. It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new; the sweeping away all negative energy, making way for all things that are good to come into their lives. It is also a call of support for the marriage from the entire community of family and friends. This ritual represents the beginning of a new life together with a "clean sweep."
Traditionally, the Officiant will hand the broom to the Groom, who makes sweeping gestures to eliminate any negative energies. The Groom then hands the broom to the Bride, who places it on the ground in their path. The couple then joins hands and, following a "1...2...3...Jump!" from their guests, will jump over the broom.
As a couple jumps the broom, they physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the land of matrimony. It marks the beginning of making a home together. It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new; the sweeping away all negative energy, making way for all things that are good to come into their lives. It is also a call of support for the marriage from the entire community of family and friends. This ritual represents the beginning of a new life together with a "clean sweep."
Traditionally, the Officiant will hand the broom to the Groom, who makes sweeping gestures to eliminate any negative energies. The Groom then hands the broom to the Bride, who places it on the ground in their path. The couple then joins hands and, following a "1...2...3...Jump!" from their guests, will jump over the broom.
