How to Jump the Broom
Jumping the broom is a tradition that has been practiced at African weddings since the 1600s, although it has roots in Celtic cultures as well. The straws of the broom represent family and the handle represents God, according to Celebrateintimateweddings.com. It is often decorated with ribbons, which represent the bond between the couple. The jump occurs after the bride and groom have been married and had their first kiss and symbolizes prosperity and the sweeping away of the old.
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Instructions
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Plan the broom jump to take place during your reception, as you will need ample space.
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Request one of your wedding party to bring the broom out for the ceremony.
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Ask the officiant to announce that you have planned to hold a broom jump and have him explain to your guests the significance and history of the ceremony. The officiant should ask your guests to make a circle around you.
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Hold the broom with your new spouse and sweep together while your guests circle around you.
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Lay the broom down in the middle of the circle. The officiant will read more about the ritual and then ask the audience to count to three. No specific passage is read, the officiant talks about the broom representing the threshold for the couple's new life together. "They leave behind the past and jump into the future together secure in their love," is an example of what the officiant might say, according to the Always and Forever Ceremonies website. "The leap they take over the broom is also symbolic. By taking the leap, they make a gesture of dedication to working together through the tough times ahead, as well as the easy times."
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Hold your spouse's hand and jump the broom together on the count of three.
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Tips & Warnings
You can have everyone write their name down on a piece of ribbon and tie this to the broom before the wedding. Then when you jump, you are jumping with their thoughts and best wishes.
References
- Photo Credit Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
