What does jumping the broom symbolize in a wedding?

What does jumping the broom symbolize in a wedding?

Brooms were (are) waved over the heads of marrying couples to ward off spirits. The couple would often but not always jump over the broom at the end of the ceremony. Jumping over the broom symbolized the wife’s commitment or willingness to clean the courtyard of the new home she had joined.

Is jumping the broom a pagan tradition?

Jumping the broom in America is now common — and some Neo-Pagans in Europe do it as well. Over time, the tradition of jumping the broom has been somewhat divorced from its Welsh roots. In America, its history has now come to be closely associated with slavery.

What culture jumps the broom at weddings?

Likely, the tradition of jumping the broom traveled from Britain to the colonies. Pre-Christian Roma and Celtic communities in the British Isles were known for jumping the broom to seal their wedding vows. Rural Anglo-Saxons embraced the practice as well.

Is jumping the broom a Celtic tradition?

Jumping the broom is an historical ritual with Celtic roots. Like many traditions, exactly how and where it started is brought into question. Some say it started with the Romani Gypsy people living in Wales and others say it originated with the Welsh people themselves.

What do you say when jumping the broom?

Close your eyes, hold hands and jump the broomstick! Take the leap into your new life together, leaving behind the old certainties and trusting in your love and your future together; loved ones cheering you on and your celebrant at your back!

What is a pagan wedding ceremony?

Pagan wedding ceremonies are called handfastings and mark the coming together of two people in a formal, loving and equal sexual partnership. Others vow to handfast for life while a few, in accordance with Pagan beliefs in reincarnation, do so for all their future lives as well.

Can a white person jump the broom?

In fact, slaves who were forced to come into America–a place with no real history all its own, nor rooted traditions, were all jumping the broom in the 16th century. So, no White people, you can’t jump the broom.

Is jumping the broom a Scottish tradition?

The newlyweds also participated in broom jumping, a Highland tradition in which a broom would sweep any dirt in front of the couple, who in turn would jump over the broom – representing getting rid of any bad omens.

Is a pagan marriage legal?

Despite the fact that a pagan marriage has no legal status, couples are increasingly attracted by its emphasis on the natural world and its spiritual dimension.

Is wearing a wedding ring pagan?

Instead Roman men would present a ring to the bride’s father as a symbol of purchase. So Why Is The Ring, A Pagan Symbol Used In Christian Marriages? Many question why pagan symbolism is present in Christian ceremonies. For many years the wedding ring was considered heathen by Christians.

Is jumping the broom a legal marriage?

During slavery in the United States, brooms were readily available to the enslaved and could be used in wedding ceremonies. Enslaved people would jump over the broom to marry since they could not legally wed.