Anyone "Jumping the Broom"??

BillysBride · 03-11-2008, 09:18 AM

I guess this could primarily be for African American brides, though traditionally it doesn't have to be.

I'm wondering if anyone is considering or planning to include a traditional broom jumping in their ceremony? I'm thinking on it and have found a few web sites that have really gotten my imagination going. I figure its a brief sort of thing, but can add a little bit to our ceremony since its just a religious/vow renewal and going to be short. Plus, I really love the tradition behind it and what it signifies.

For those aren't familiar with the broom jumping tradition, its said to have been brought over from West Africa and practiced largely by African Americans before marriage was legally recognized for us here. It symbolizes sweeping out the old/past and ushering in your new lives together. Brooms are decorated beautifully and at the end of the ceremony after you are pronounced husband and wife, the couple steps or "jumps" over the broom before proceeding back down the aisle together.

I even found a site with the idea of having smaller brooms beautifully decorated as bouquets and now I'm thinking of doing this as a DIY project (I need something to focus on, I'm going nuts here) for my bridesmaids to carry. Not everyone's taste, I'm sure, but I think it could be really different and pretty. Check these out:
African-Weddings, Heritage Wedding Brooms, Accessories & Gifts - Cala Lily Broom Bouquets

I'd also do our broom for the jump myself. I haven't seen anything that can't be put together as a DIY project, so I can't see spending the money when its not really necessary unless I just cannot get it together. Besides, my mama is the black Martha Stewart and if I get in trouble, I know she can handle it.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone else is doing it, has done it or considering it.

Sandra E. · 03-11-2008, 09:35 AM

Very cool and interesting. I never knew about this. I learn something new every day. :)

Morgan · 03-11-2008, 09:49 AM

Catherine is (Lady P) is. She even has the little brooms to put on her invites. I saw a couple do this on bridezilla. It was really cute.

nikkianddean · 03-11-2008, 09:55 AM

My FH and I are not jumping the broom. Since my FI is not Black he thinks it's inappropriate for him to participate. I don't agree with him, but I am letting him get away with this because it is a small detail that is not that important to me. I think if it is something that you would like to include in your ceremony it is totally cute and you should have your officiant read a short description of the meaning of jumping the broom so all your guests understand the significance.

The other thing that is really nice about the broom if you do a small one, it can be beautifully decorated and framed as a unique keepsake of your wedding. My friend had hers mounted in a glass case with a picture of her and her husband which now hangs in their house. It's really pretty so I say go for it. It's an AWESOME DIY project!!!

LadyP · 03-11-2008, 10:15 AM

i am jumping the broom

Golden · 03-11-2008, 10:34 AM

You know, I never thought about it.

BillysBride · 03-11-2008, 11:23 AM

Well, I'm glad I posted! Didn't know anyone was doing it or others on the board had heard of it. (But then, you know EVERYthing there is to know about weddings Morgan. Why am I suprised?)

Definitely going to decorate it in some smashing manner and keep it as a wall hanging. Thats another part of it that I really love. But hadn't thought about including a pic with the hanging...thanks so much Nikki!

Oh, and as you can see, my FH isn't AA either, but when it comes to the details, he is leaving it to me. He may not like it much though..haven't told him about it though it won't be about the tradition. Just about having to do the jump. lol. He's the shy type and may not want to do anything that he feels anyone might think he is silly for. But after I tell him about the significance, I think he'll be fine. I hope.

nikkianddean · 03-11-2008, 11:28 AM

Lucky you have a FI with an open mind about these things Savannah! My FI thinks everything is silly. Everyday I hear about how the wedding industry is a huge scam and I am just another victim. Well I LOVE it!

I think your jumping of the broom will be wonderful - what are your colors?

carmlv · 03-11-2008, 12:16 PM

I am so glad to hear that others are "jumping the broom" too.. can you share how you are going to DIY yours..

I am not much of a crafter, but I can't imagine it would be to difficult

LadyP · 03-11-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carmlv

I am so glad to hear that others are "jumping the broom" too.. can you share how you are going to DIY yours..

I am not much of a crafter, but I can't imagine it would be to difficult

Off topic I love your monogram who made it for you?

making the broom is not hard You can go to Michaels or acmoor and do a make and take with the people