The custom of jumping the broom at wedding ceremonies goes back to the eighteenth century and has been used in contexts since that time. Its origins may have been in Africa, or as some suggest in Wales. It has been associated with Christianity, slavery, paganism and Wicca. In modern times, the significance of the broom ceremony is that the couple is symbolically leaving their single lives in the past, and moving on to married life.
The broom is placed on the floor, or a couple of inches above the floor, by a selected representative of the guests. The newly married couple hold hands and jump over the broom, often to resounding applause from their guests.
The broom itself can be a traditional one or have its “bristles” made from material such as silk. Any creative ideas from the couple can be integrated into the ceremony, such as having the guests sign name tags on the handle before the ceremony. The broom can later be displayed as a piece of art in the couple’s home, and even become a family heirloom.
