![]() ![]() The exact origins of jumping the broom are contested and unclear. In order to get a fuller picture of the practice in the Black community and beyond, let’s take a brief look at the origins of jumping the broom. ![]() In fact, there are reports that the tradition originated from European tribes before America was even a country. There’s no denying that jumping the broom has significant symbolism for Black people, but according to various scholars, the tradition was not exclusive to Black Americans. The images sparked disapproval from Twitter, with many users virtually shaking their heads at a white woman taking part in what’s thought of as a traditionally Black custom. A viral tweet of a photographer’s photos showing a white bride and a Black groom jumping the broom at their wedding sparked outrage online. Because the wedding tradition is so firmly wrapped in Black American culture, other ethnic groups are often implicitly discouraged from practicing it. The popularity of the custom in Black communities is depicted in contemporary films and television such as the 2011 rom-com, Jumping the Broom. “In the years since Roots premiered, I’ve been invited to a number of weddings in which Black couples jumped the broom, considering it a dignifying African tradition preserved by ancestors.” Stewart, author of Black Women, Black Love: America’s War on African American Marriage. ![]() “The broomstick wedding, for many viewers, conveyed how African descendants shared the profound joy of romantic love in the midst of incessant violation and trauma,” said Dianne M. It was a symbol of perseverance in the midst of so much darkness for enslaved Black Americans throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. ![]() Popularized by the Emmy award-winning miniseries Roots, the tender scene of Kunta Kinte and Belle cementing their wedding vows by jumping the broom left a lasting impression on many Black Americans. While holding hands, the couple jumps over the broom.Jumping the broom has become synonymous with African American wedding traditions. Meanwhile the couple may hold the broom handle together and sweep around in a circle. 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. To show their love and commitment as they take a Leap of Faith into their new life together.Īt the Reception: the guest gather around in a circle around the couple The couple holds hands and jumps over the broom as they walk back down the aisle together. In most cases, the Jumping the Broom takes place at the end of the ceremony.Īt 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. 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. Now the tradition is practiced as a folk tradition in various parts of the world from Eastern Europe to the Americas. 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. However, others attribute this as a practice taken from the whites. during the days of slavery when blacks weren't allowed to marry. Today, common-law broomstick weddings are still practiced in some parts of Wales as a centuries-old custom called priodas coes ysgub.Īlong with this heritage, some say jumping the broom comes from an African marriage ritual which was practiced in the U.S. In fact, the earliest mention of this tradition is tied to the Romani and dates back to the 18 th century. Today variations of this ritual are practiced by Welsh, Celtics and Druids as well as the nomadic Romani. There is an ongoing debate as to the exact origin or origins.īut more commonly here in America it has been an African - American tradition which is growing and regaining popularity today 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. ![]()
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