by Shannon Morehouse

Created on: December 09, 2008   Last Updated: March 27, 2012

A wedding represents several changes in the life of a couple; it represents a union, a transition from bachelorhood to married life. There are many traditions that celebrate or symbolize these changes in the preparations for the wedding, as well as through the actual ceremony and reception. The bachelor and bachelorette parties represent a goodbye to bachelorhood. The rings, through their circular shape, represent undying love.

There is one wedding tradition that you may or may not be familiar with. It's called Jumping of the Broom. The origin of this tradition is cloudy. Some say that this tradition dates back to centuries ago in West Africa, even before the Europeans arrived there. A bride and groom would jump a broom to represent their coming together as husband and wife. Some associate this tradition with slavery in the United States. Slaves were not allowed to legally marry, so a man and would formalize their union by the tradition of jumping the broom. This tradition is also said to have been used by poor whites in the United States, as well as gypsies across Europe. Additionally, jumping of the broom has Welsh and Celtic origins.

No matter which specific tradition you would like to honor, it does have positive connotation and symbolism. You may be picturing an ordinary household broom, but most couples tend to use a decorative broom with ribbons tied to it. Jumping the broom symbolizes a new beginning, sweeping away old cares and worries and welcoming a new life as husband and wife. Other connotations of the broom are cleanliness and hearth of family. It represents domestic tranquility and prosperity. The wooden handle represents the solidity of the commitment or the strength of God's presence in their marriage. The ribbons signify the tying together of two lives. And the leap represents joyfully jumping into married life!

When is the jumping of the broom performed in a wedding? It can take place either during the ceremony or during the reception. At the ceremony it usually occurs before the bride and groom exit down the aisle. A designated person puts the broom on the floor. The guests can count to three and the couples hold hands and jump over it. This tradition can also be performed as the couple enters the reception.

How is the broom decorated? There are many options. Of course, you can always purchase it pre-decorated from a craft shop. If you want the broom to be more meaningful though, you can have it decorated at your bridal shower. You can also give each person a ribbon as they enter the wedding ceremony (or between the ceremony and reception), and have them write their names on the back of it and tie a bow, and a designated person can attach all of the bows to the broom. The broom can also be adorned with glitter, sequins, paint, beads and flowers.

The broom, like a unity candle, can be displayed in the couple's house. Some say it even sweeps away evil spirits!

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