Jumping the broom might just be that meaningful wedding tradition you have been searching for. Many couples are choosing to jump over the broomstick on their wedding day. Why are couples making this tradition part of their ceremony? Keep reading to learn about jumping the broom.
History Behind the Tradition
Jumping the broom dates back to the 1700’s in Wales at a time when marriages of gypsies were not accepted by the church. The ritual was known as a besom wedding, named after the besom broom. It became a popular trend and marriage right in Scotland and England in the 1800s. Broom jumping is also deeply rooted in West African culture. The Asante people waved brooms over couples to remove evil spirits and sweep away the past for a new beginning. Broom jumping became popular in the United States during times of slavery, when marriages were not recognized or allowed in court. In the absence of an officiant to conduct a legal ceremony, the broom became a symbol of jumping into a new life as husband and wife. Jumping the broom has been a way for some to officiate their marriages in a meaningful way, when the court and church refused. Some couples honor their ancestors and give value to jumping the broom by incorporating a broom jumping ceremony into their weddings.
Jumping the Broom
Broom jumping involves an elaborately decorated wedding piece that usually matches the wedding colors and theme. It is about 36” in length and wrapped with a floral arrangement and embellished with pearls or another ornament. Each broom will look a little differently, depending on the culture, theme and wedding colors. Like all ceremony rituals, jumping the broom is guided by the officiant. The officiant provides an explanation of the symbolism and significance involved. While each officiant will have a different variation of words, the idea is always the same. Jumping the broom represents a new life together. They might deliver a speech about its place in history and culture. Regardless of the words spoken, broom jumping leaves behind the past and seals the couple's future as husband and wife. The bride and groom hold hands as they make a meaningful leap to the other side.
Keeping the Meaning of Jumping the Broom
Broom jumping is intertwined with different cultures in history, and holds significance for couples for different reasons. For many couples, this ritual is about heritage and respect to ancestors in Wales, Scotland, England, Africa and America. In history, broom jumping is a tradition that seals a marriage with importance beyond the recognition of church and state. Many couples today hold the same ideals to be true. Adding broom jumping to the nuptials can create a deeper meaning. For some, broom jumping is a method of creating a union when a legal marriage is not possible. This tradition has become part of modern ceremonies for many reasons.
Commitment Ceremonies
Commitment ceremonies are a popular trend. This type of ceremony searches for ways to make it meaningful and add significance to the occasion. Broom jumping is essentially a ritual that signifies the creation of a marital bond without church and state. Broom jumping is popular among commitment ceremonies and legal marriages alike. It is seen as a way to make the marriage real beyond the recognition of a court.
Jumping the Broom at Crystal Ballroom at Veranda
Regardless of your reasons, jumping the broom is a very special and personal way to symbolize the joining in matrimony. Celebrate your unique customs and create a meaningful broom jumping ceremony at Crystal Ballroom at Veranda. Transform the ceremony space and ballroom into a wedding from fantasy. The all-inclusive concept bundles the venue, services and décor into an affordable package. Host your dream ceremony and reception at an elegant wedding venue that is designed by your imagination and the professional in-house design team. Bring your colors, theme and imagination to a customization consultation. Schedule your complimentary VIP tour to begin planning.
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