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If you’ve ever attended a wedding where the couple jumps over a broom or have seen the practice in a TV show or movie, you may be wondering what it means. Jumping the broom is a wedding practice that has roots in slavery and is now typically done by Black couples to honor their ancestors and celebrate their union. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the meaning, history, and traditions associated with jumping the broom.
What Jumping the Broom Means at a Wedding
Jumping the broom is a traditional wedding practice for many African American couples. After their vows, the couple jumps over a broom to represent new beginnings and unity between families. This practice honours their enslaved ancestors who were unable to legally wed and instead performed broom jumping as a wedding ceremony.
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Warnings
- Because this tradition is associated with marginalized cultures like Black Americans and the Romani people, it may be considered cultural appropriation if you jump the broom and are not part of one of these cultures. Do your research beforehand to make sure it’s appropriate for you to perform this tradition.[10]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.arapahoe.edu/blog/jumping-broom
- ↑ https://www.aaihs.org/jumping-the-broom-and-the-american-cultural-divide/
- ↑ https://reverendkris.com/jumping-the-broom-reserved.html
- ↑ https://aaregistry.org/story/jumping-the-broom-a-short-history/
- ↑ https://www.aaihs.org/jumping-the-broom-and-the-american-cultural-divide/
- ↑ https://aaregistry.org/story/jumping-the-broom-a-short-history/
- ↑ https://www.aaihs.org/jumping-the-broom-and-the-american-cultural-divide/
- ↑ https://www.aisleplanner.com/blog/art-events/wedding-traditions-jumping-broom
- ↑ https://www.aisleplanner.com/blog/art-events/wedding-traditions-jumping-broom