Jumping the Broom

Jumping the broom is an ancient African-American custom. In the days of slavery, slaves were not often married, and less often able to marry those they loved. Therefore, the custom of jumping the broom developed in order to let the community know those who were making a commitment were "married".



Today, the act of jumping the broom is sometimes used in Pagan weddings to symbolize crossing the threshold into a new life with your partner.



The broom itself is rich with history and lore. It represents the hearth, which traditionally represents the family. The symbolic act of jumping the broom means more than letting those know that the couple has made a commitment, it also symbolizes that they will work together, as well as individually for the collective goals of their newly created family, as well as the family they already are a part of.