The Symbolic Sweep: Jumping The Broom

Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition with a complex history that spans continents and centuries. The custom, which involves a couple jumping over a broomstick, is most widely practised by African Americans and Black Canadians, but it is also observed in the UK by the Roma community, particularly in Wales. The tradition's origins are disputed, with some claiming it originated in West Africa, and others arguing it began in Wales. It is believed to have been popularised in the 1970s by the novel and TV miniseries Roots, which depicted the ritual being performed by enslaved characters.

Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition with roots in the African diaspora and slavery

The history of jumping the broom is complex and disputed, with various theories about its origins. Some believe that the tradition originated in West Africa, where brooms were used to ward off evil spirits and symbolise the couple's commitment to their new shared home. In this context, the broom was often waved over the couple's heads during the ceremony and then placed on the ground for them to jump over together. It is also speculated that the person who jumped the highest would be designated as the primary decision-maker in the household.

Another theory suggests that the tradition originated in Wales in the 1700s among the Roma community, who were not allowed to marry in churches. In this version, the groom would jump over the broom first, followed by the bride, and it served as a symbolic way to get married. This practice then spread across England and Wales, with local variations developing.

During the era of slavery in the United States, jumping the broom became a way for enslaved people, particularly those in the Southern states, to symbolise their union since they were often not permitted to marry legally. There are differing accounts of how this tradition came to be during this time. Some believe that enslaved people chose to adopt this practice themselves, while others argue that it was forced upon them by their enslavers.

After the end of slavery, some Black couples continued to jump the broom as a way to honour their ancestors and reclaim a ritual that was once used to oppress them. Today, the tradition is often incorporated into modern Black wedding ceremonies as a way to pay homage to their cultural heritage and bless their marriage. The broom used in these ceremonies is usually elaborately decorated and passed down through generations, becoming a cherished family heirloom.

The tradition is mostly practised by Black couples in the US and Canada

Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition that is most widely practised by Black couples in the US and Canada. The custom originated in the mid-19th century in the United States, where enslaved people were often not permitted to marry legally. The tradition was popularised in the 1970s by the novel and miniseries Roots, which depicted a wedding ceremony in which the couple jumps over a broom.

The history of the tradition is complex, with several conflicting accounts about the origin of the ritual. Some argue that it originated in West Africa, where brooms were used to ward off evil spirits. In this version of the ritual, family members or community members would wave a broom over the couple's heads and then place it on the ground for them to jump over. It was also believed that whoever jumped the highest would be the decision-maker in the household.

Another theory suggests that the tradition originated in Wales, where the marriages of Roma people were not recognised by the church. These couples would have "Besom Weddings", jumping over a broom to get married. To annul the marriage, couples would jump over the broom backward. Some accounts also note that couples would jump over the broom separately, and if either person did not make it over, the union was considered "not meant to be".

In the context of African American and Black Canadian communities, the tradition of jumping the broom became a way for enslaved people to symbolise their union and commitment to each other, even though they were not legally allowed to marry. Once slavery ended and Black people were free to marry legally, some couples continued to jump the broom if an officiant was not available, considering their previous commitment valid enough.

Today, the tradition is often incorporated into weddings as a way to pay homage to Black culture and legacy, and to bless the marriage. The broom can be a family heirloom passed down through generations, or customised with silk ribbons, flowers, intricate beading, or lace. It is typically placed on the ground in front of the couple after they have exchanged vows and said "I do", and they jump over it together to symbolise sweeping away the old and welcoming the new.

The custom originated in either West Africa or Wales

The custom of jumping over a broom at weddings has been attributed to various origins, with some claiming it originated in West Africa and others suggesting Wales.

West Africa

Jumping the broom, or a variation of it, may have originated in West Africa as a means of cleansing the wedding ceremony of evil spirits. In West Africa, brooms were used to wave over the newlyweds and their parents' heads. This custom was also practised in Southern Africa, representing the wife's commitment to cleaning her new home.

Wales

Others claim the custom originated in Wales, where it was practised by the Roma community in the 1700s. This was known as a "besom wedding" and was necessary because Roma marriages were not recognised by the church. At these weddings, couples would jump over the broom without touching it to get married. To annul the marriage, they would jump over the broom backward.

United States

In the United States, enslaved African Americans adopted this custom as they were not permitted to marry legally. The practice continued even after the abolition of slavery, with some choosing to jump the broom if an officiant was not available and legalising the marriage later.

It was popularised by the 1976 novel and 1977 TV miniseries Roots

The tradition of jumping over a broom at weddings was popularised by the 1976 novel and 1977 TV miniseries Roots. The story, based on author Alex Haley's family history, follows Kunta Kinte, an 18th-century African who is captured as a teenager and sold into slavery in the United States. The series depicts Kunta Kinte's enslavement and his descendants' liberation.

The wedding custom of jumping the broom is featured in the story, with Kunta Kinte and Belle jumping over a broom in their marriage ceremony. This scene was recreated in the 2016 remake of the series.

The inclusion of this ritual in Roots brought it to a wider audience, and it has since been featured in other TV shows and films, such as This Is Us, Grey's Anatomy, and The Best Man.

Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition with a complex history, with origins in West Africa, Wales, and the United States during slavery. The tradition has been practised by Black couples to pay homage to their culture and legacy and has become a familiar part of many Black nuptials.

The broom is often a family heirloom, passed down through generations

Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition that has been practised for decades, particularly in the Black community. The tradition is believed to have originated in West Africa or Wales in the 1700s. The broom used in the ceremony is often a family heirloom, passed down through generations.

The brooms used in the jumping of the broom ceremony are not your typical household brooms. They are usually three feet long with a wooden handle and natural bristles. Couples often customise their brooms with silk ribbons, flowers, intricate beading, or lace. The broom may also be decorated with the couple's initials or adorned with guests' names written on decorative paper. These brooms are often passed down as family heirlooms, displayed in the couple's home, or used by other family members in their wedding ceremonies.

The jumping of the broom ceremony is usually performed after the couple has exchanged vows and said "I do". The officiant may offer a prayer, poem, or a brief explanation of the tradition before the broom is placed on the ground for the couple to jump over. The broom can be placed by the officiant or a significant person chosen by the couple. The couple then jumps over the broom, symbolising their entrance into matrimony and their new life together.

The tradition of jumping the broom is steeped in history and has been featured in various media, including the novel and miniseries Roots, which popularised the tradition in the 1970s. Today, many Black couples incorporate this tradition into their weddings as a way to pay homage to their culture, legacy, and ancestors.

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