Jumping the broom......

Whenever i see a commercial with black people getting married they are jumping the broom just like Quizzy(sp) and Kunta did in Roots.

For all you married folks did you do this or did you think about it when you got married?

I am not married just wondering.

Let me put my two cents in since i am not a reporter.

I cant say I know the full significance of jumping the broom but i dont really know the significance of carrying the bride into the hotel room when half the time she is going to bust her head open on the door handle.

SO those are my questions what is the significance of jumping the broom?

Did you do it when you got married?

Why and why not?

[Isis7]

You know its funny, Im not married either but I often wondered about this considering its a tradionally Black marriage rite. I found this, its pretty cool.....

"...The practice of couples jumping the broom during wedding ceremonies is an African American custom.

In contrast to many West African traditions recognized and included in African American wedding ceremonies, the practice of jumping the broom is a wholly American addition that developed out of the institution of African slavery in the United States.

Shortly after the introduction of slavery to the country, the right to legal marriage was taken away from the enslaved. Slaveholders considered the Africans property, and as property, they had no rights in the eyes of the law. The owners also feared that legal marriage and family bonds had the potential to lead to organization and revolt.

Marriage rituals were important events to the Africans who came from numerous richly ceremonial cultures. When faced with the loss of the right to marry, many, ingrained with the significance of the marriage since childhood, created new rituals with what was on hand.

Taking vows in the presence of a witness and then leaping over the handle of a broom became the common practice to create a recognized union. Incorporating jumping the broom into modern weddings is just one way African Americans today celebrate their cultural heritage...."


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_the_broomstick

[jimihaze]

are you for real M_I_M you really don't know what jumping the broom signifies in the marrying of the african american culture? Isis7 beat me to it I was going to try to post a website for you. Thanks Isis7 for the website I will look for another if you want to M_I_M.

[JamieC]

I've noticed those commercials too MIM and they make me so angry!! As if Black folks don't get married the "traditional" way...like in da church. Jumping the broom has never really made any type of sense to me one way or the other. But when I did get married it was held on the beach in Southern California.

I'm not into that "Jumping The Broom" thing. but uncle Richard stubbed his big toe when he tried to dance and almost fell into the ocean.

[Isis7]

Found this too:

The leap that the couple takes over the broom is also symbolic. Starting a new life with another person does require a "leap of faith." But by taking the leap, the individuals make a gesture of dedication to working together through the tough times ahead. Brooms are also symbols of the hearth, the center of the new family being created.

i guess i did know, i just figured it was something that went across the ocean rather than something that started here

[Corals]

Originally Posted by Isis7

Found this too:

The leap that the couple takes over the broom is also symbolic. Starting a new life with another person does require a "leap of faith." But by taking the leap, the individuals make a gesture of dedication to working together through the tough times ahead. Brooms are also symbols of the hearth, the center of the new family being created.

That is interesting, along with the first comments. I've heard the term but always assumed it was something to do with the African culture.

[Beauti]

Thanks for the info Isis. I didn't have a wedding I got married at the court house. I plan on having a wedding/vow renewal one day and I don't know if I'll do this or not. It made me sad to read how they were denied the right to marry.

[saraphen]

I didn't jump the broom when I got married but both of my married children did it in their wedding ceremonies.

[Baba Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Isis7

Found this too:

The leap that the couple takes over the broom is also symbolic. Starting a new life with another person does require a "leap of faith." But by taking the leap, the individuals make a gesture of dedication to working together through the tough times ahead. Brooms are also symbols of the hearth, the center of the new family being created.

Greetings Isis7!

Thanks for this; its another sign that there is no break btween us and Mama Afrika


There's mainly ignorance of OurStories and inability to consciously "re-connect" with our orignal selves. Thus, many of our learned strongly advise SANKOFA journies. And if possible a trip home instead of Paris, London or Rome!

Re wedding rituals, I've attended, there's little difference btween what yt practices and what our Christian sistas and bruthas do. What u've noted re symbolisms in "Jumping da broom," to me, indicates we don't need to follow this society's culture.... unless we b ignorant of our own ancient and traditional ways.

Again, big time med ase pa!

Ya dig?