Jumping The Broom: Behind The Tradition

Occasionally the best “something borrowed” component of a wedding comes from a tradition steeped in dignity and celebration. “Even after the end of slavery, today, many black couples incorporate this beautiful and meaningful ritual as a way to honor those who sacrificed so much for their love and freedom!” says planner Yodit Gebreyes Endale, Founder of Favored By Yodit Events & Design on the significance of the jump the broom wedding day ritual. We spoke with the founder on the customs of this African American wedding tradition that honors their ancestors as they take their very first step into marriage.

The Origin of Jumping the Broom

The tradition of jumping the broom has different meanings in different cultures, which is part of why its origin is somewhat debated. Originally it was believed that the practice came from the West African country of Ghana, where local brooms were believed to hold spiritual value and signified the sweeping away of evil spirits and past wrongs. Waving a broom over the heads of a couple while marrying was meant to ward off spirits.

Although historians now believe that the tradition of jumping the broom may have originated in Britain and actually been forced on enslaved Africans by their European owners, there are many recorded incidents throughout the 1800s of enslaved couples in the American South willingly incorporating broomsticks into their wedding ceremonies.

Since enslaved individuals were not given traditional marital rights, for many, jumping the broom was the next best way of blessing the marriage and declaring the union. "This practice is well attested as a marriage ceremony for slaves in the Southern United States in the 1840s and 1850s who were often not permitted to wed legally,” says Gebreyes Endale. “The act symbolizes a new beginning and a sweeping away of the past, and can also signify the joining of two families or offer a respectful nod to family ancestors." In fact, even after slavery ended, some descendents still chose to jump the broom to validate their marriage in lieu of having an officiant.

Jumping the Broom Today

Today, some Black couples choose to jump the broom as a symbol of solidarity with their ancestors. "Jumping the broom is a time-honored wedding tradition in which the bride and groom jump over a broom during the ceremony,” explains Gebreyes Endale. Tradtionally the newlyweds jump the broom after saying “I do,” or following a brief explanation from their officiant.

Brooms are often passed down through generations, gifted to the couple, or purchased by the couple themselves.

Jumping the Broom FAQs

What does jumping the broom mean at a wedding?

Jumping the broom symbolizes a new beginning, the sweeping away of the past, and the crossing of a threshold into married life together. It can also represent the joining of two families and a respectful acknowledgment of ancestors — particularly those who were denied the legal right to marry. For many Black couples today, the act carries all of these meanings simultaneously.

Where does jumping the broom come from?

The exact origin is debated among historians. One theory traces it to West African traditions, particularly in Ghana, where brooms held spiritual significance and were used to sweep away evil spirits. Another theory suggests the practice has roots in British and Welsh folklore, where jumping a broom had its own symbolic meaning, and that the traditions may have converged during the era of American slavery. What is well-documented is that by the 1840s and 1850s, jumping the broom was widely practiced among enslaved couples in the American South as a way of honoring and legitimizing their unions in the absence of legal marriage rights.

How do you jump the broom at a wedding?

Traditionally, the couple jumps over a decorated broom together immediately after exchanging vows or just before being pronounced married. The officiant typically explains the significance of the tradition to guests before the couple jumps. Some couples jump simultaneously, others jump hand-in-hand — there is no single correct way, and many couples personalize the moment to reflect their own family history and intentions.

What kind of broom is used for jumping the broom?

There are no strict rules, but most couples use a broom that has been decorated with ribbons, flowers, or meaningful charms. Some families pass down an heirloom broom through generations, making it a deeply personal artifact. Others purchase or commission a custom broom specifically for the ceremony. After the wedding, many couples display the broom in their home as a keepsake.

Can anyone jump the broom, or is it specific to African American weddings?

While jumping the broom is most closely associated with African American wedding tradition and carries particular historical weight for African American couples honoring their ancestors, the tradition is not exclusive. Any couple drawn to its symbolism — a new beginning, sweeping away the past, honoring those who came before — can incorporate it meaningfully. The most important thing is approaching it with an understanding of its history and the respect it deserves.