The origin of jumping the broom is tough to pin down. Some folks trace it back to Ghana, West Africa, while others argue it’s a pagan ritual that enslaved people adapted when they weren’t allowed to legally marry. Either way, it’s a tradition that speaks to resilience, culture, and survival.
Honoring the Ancestors
In African American culture, honoring our ancestors is everything. It’s about acknowledging the shoulders we stand on and showing respect for the pain, struggles, and triumphs that brought us here. Jumping the broom is one of those traditions that keeps us connected to the past while celebrating the future we’re building.
This act is more than a photo op. It’s a nod to the daily prayers of our ancestors that continue to manifest today:
Leaping into the future as one
Leaving the past behind
Sweeping away the old
Welcoming the new
Manifestation
And more
Our wedding packages are named in honor of the African American dream—a dream that’s all about freedom, love, and unity.
History
Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” And he wasn’t wrong. If you don’t know where you come from, how can you know where you’re going?
Back then, European colonizers and missionaries slapped the label “pagan” or “heathen” on African spiritual practices. To them, anything that wasn’t Christianity was uncivilized, dangerous, and needed to be stamped out. But West African traditions like Vodun, Ifá, and Yoruba were deeply rooted in community, nature, and ancestral respect. Enslaved people carried these beliefs across the Atlantic, refusing to let their spirituality be erased.
But slaveholders weren’t having it. They saw these rituals as a threat—a potential spark for rebellion. So, they banned the drumming, the dancing, and the rituals. Yet, even in secret, our ancestors found ways to keep their traditions alive. That’s power. That’s resilience.
The Decline of the Ritual
After slavery ended, many Black folks wanted to leave anything associated with that painful past behind—including jumping the broom. They wanted no reminders of a time when their love wasn’t recognized by law.
But that wasn’t the end of the story.
The Resurgence of Jumping the Broom
In 1976, Alex Haley’s “Roots” changed everything. The story of Kunta Kinte and his descendants brought African traditions back into focus. When the series aired on TV, it reintroduced the jumping the broom ritual to millions of people. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a relic of the past—it was a symbol of pride and resilience.
Today, many African Americans include jumping the broom as a way to honor their ancestors, reclaim their cultural heritage, and make their weddings uniquely their own.
The New Family
When a couple jumps the broom, it’s more than just a gesture. They’re creating a new family, whether or not kids are part of the picture. It’s about unity, respect for the past, and stepping into the future together with love and purpose.
Making a Wedding Broom
There are many ways to create and decorate a jumping broom:
Buy a premade, undecorated broom.
– Halloween is the perfect time to find one.
Craft your own broom.
– Use long dried grass or straw to make a DIY broom.
Decorate your broom with creative touches:
– Add beautiful, colorful flowers.
– Wrap ribbon around the handle and embellish it with jewels.
– Create an open sheer skirt and drape it around the broom’s head for a stylish, elegant finish.
I was called to fight for marriage equality through a dream. In 2004, I joined the cause in Maryland, driven by God’s calling on my life and a commitment to my ancestors who couldn’t legally marry.
I believe in marriage for any couple building a future together and ready for the responsibilities of marriage.
