Wedding Jumping Broom

It is an African-American wedding tradition to "Jump the Broom" before walking up the aisle as the new Mr. and Mrs. The tradition stems from slavery when slaves could not legally marry and used it to symbolize their marriage. After slavery ended, many stopped the tradition in efforts of leaving behind slavery traditions. However, when Alex Haley's Roots came out, the tradition began to blossom again.

In today's weddings, the broom is decorated as simple or elaborate as you would like. Many times the bride decorates however anyone close to the couple can decorate, even an elder of the couple. Also, the couple can shop online for decorated brooms that can coordinate with the wedding colors and flowers. The broom typically includes cowrie shells which are symbols for fertility and wealth.

If you would like to decorate your own broom, both websites below allow you to purchase a undecorated broom (which I did and loved the experience).

Some samples from African American Roots Inc:























Other samples from Stuart's Creations: