Jumping the broom

Origins and history

The custom likely began in the United States during the era of slavery. Enslaved people were often denied legal marriage rights. They used this ritual to publicly declare their commitment to one another. Historians note cultural exchanges between enslaved Africans and rural British communities. Some scholars suggest links to West African traditions involving brooms. Others point to British idioms about 'broomstick marriages' for informal unions.

British and Romani roots

In the United Kingdom, the practice appears in Welsh and Romani cultures. Romanichal Travellers in Wales would jump over a flowering broom branch. In some English regions, couples jumped over a broom placed at a doorway. This action formalized their union without a legal contract. The phrase 'broomstick marriage' was once used to describe sham weddings. Legal historians debate whether the physical leap was always part of these early British customs.

Modern revival

The ritual faded after emancipation but survived in some rural areas. It experienced a major revival in the 1970s. The novel and television miniseries Roots popularized the practice among African Americans. Today, it is a cherished tradition in many Black weddings. Couples may jump together or separately. The broom is often decorated with ribbons or flowers. It serves as a powerful link to ancestral heritage and resilience.

Wiccan and other uses

Some Wiccans have adopted the custom. They associate the broom with witchcraft and protection. A 1959 song titled 'Let's Jump the Broomstick' helped spread the imagery. In Ghana, brooms are waved over newlyweds. This represents a wife's commitment to her new home. The ritual varies across cultures but consistently marks a significant transition.

How Jumping the broom is kept

The couple stands before witnesses with a broom on the ground. They may jump over it together or take turns. In some traditions, the groom jumps first. The broom might be placed at an angle against a doorframe. Participants often decorate the broom with colorful ribbons. The act concludes the ceremonial portion of the wedding. It replaces or accompanies legal vows in some contexts.

When and where

It occurs at the end of the wedding ceremony. The date depends on the couple's schedule. There is no specific season for the ritual. It is performed when the couple is ready to declare their union.

The custom is strongest in the United States and Canada. It is common in African American and Black Canadian communities. It also appears in parts of the United Kingdom. Specific regions include Wales and areas with Romani populations.

What Jumping the broom means

The jump represents crossing into a new life together. It signifies leaving the past behind. For enslaved people, it was a claim to dignity and family. It shows a public commitment to stability. The broom itself symbolizes sweeping away old troubles. It also represents the establishment of a new household.

Who takes part

• the couple: They jump over the broom to seal their vows
• the guests: They witness the jump as a sign of approval
• the officiant: They direct the couple to perform the jump

If you are a guest

Guests stand and watch the couple jump. They often cheer or clap afterward. Some may throw rice or confetti. Guests should dress formally for the event. They are expected to respect the cultural significance of the ritual.

Then and now

The practice has become a standard part of many Black weddings. It is often included alongside Christian or civil ceremonies. Some couples use decorative brooms as keepsakes. The ritual continues to grow in popularity as a symbol of heritage.

On the wedding table

Symbols: The broom

Questions people ask about Jumping the broom

See also

Blessing ceremony of the Unification ChurchA large-scale marriage rededication or new union ceremony that engrafts couples into a sinless lineage.Blessing ceremonyThe large-scale marriage rite of the Unification Church where couples are matched and blessed by their leaders.Slave marriages in the United StatesThe unions formed by enslaved African Americans before and after the abolition of slavery in the US.Jewish weddingThe ceremony and laws that bind a couple in Jewish marriage, from the canopy to the glass.

Good reading and sources

• BBC - Northamptonshire - FaithBBC, Article
• BBC - Northamptonshire - FaithBBC, Article

• Jumping the broom on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.