The Origin of Jumping the Broom

A tradition with so much history, a hit movie was named after it. “Jumping the Broom”, a 2011 hit film directed by Salim Akil, starring Paula Patton, Angela Bassett, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine, and Mike Epps.

However, there are several accounts and origins if this popular ritual. In the African-American community, jumping originated during the slave days of the Antebellum South. Enslaved couples could not legally marry in America, so they would jump over the broom to symbolize their union. This is a tradition, many black couples are practicing today. It’s a combination of several things. It pays tribute to the struggles of their ancestors and celebrates black love. Couples should not treat this tradition frivolously. You have to understand the deep meaning and the gravity of it.

Couples who are serious about this need to source a broom for keepsake purposes. This can be shared with family members for years to come. The broom is greatly designed with flowers, ribbons, and cowrie shells. The shells are symbols of health and fertility. Do not use this broom for cleaning purposes. The jumping of the broom will take place at the end of the ceremony. The broom is placed in front of the couple, by one of the members of the wedding party, after the couple is pronounced married. Guests will count down from 3, and the couple will jump together and exit the ceremony. The jump signifies a new life together.