The broom has always been association with domesticity, so much so that it became an important object in the marriage ceremony as early as the 15th Century, and has been used since as a declaration of traditional values in the walk towards marriage and the joining of two families in the union of marriage. This article explores the tradition and goes back to the roots, and also explains how this is performed even today. The significance has never diminished, although is practiced widely among different religions and cultures as symbolic of the journey taken by a bride and groom.

*Roots.

*Decoration.

*Different parts of a broom.

*The ceremony itself.

*Looking at the ceremony in today’s society.

Roots.

People often associate the jumping of the broom with slavery, although the significance is far more important and focused as a rebellion against slavery rather than being a part of slavery itself. In the days of slavery, slaves were not permitted to marry, and using a method which dates back to times before slavery, the tradition stayed alive, and held a great significance of pride and tradition to those using the broom as the stepping off point towards marriage.

It is also significant that the bride and groom are effectively giving their lives a clean sweep and choosing a change of lifestyle, which brings two families together. Thought of as a symbol of fertility, this seemed to be one of the most obvious symbols with which to start married life, although in many parts of Africa, the actual broom is signified by a line, rather than the broom itself.

Different parts of the broom.

The significance of the broom doesn’t start or end with it’s symbolism as a means to sweep clean the old life and bring in the new. Each part of the broom has a significance of its own. The head of the broom symbolizes the presence of God, the sticks which make up the broom itself represent family members, and the ribbon which adorns the broom represents all the guests, and also gives the couple a chance to have their names added to the broom decorations.

The ceremony itself.

The ceremony takes place after the wedding and the broom is placed at the entrance-way to the wedding ceremony and guests are given little ribbons to initial and to tie to the broom on their way into the church. The broom is decorated with flowers and ribbons, and can even be bought ready made for the ceremony. After the bride and groom leave the church, the best man places this across their path,