Jumping the Broom
"Jumping the Broom" is a traditional wedding custom that has its roots in African American culture. It symbolizes the couple's commitment to each other and their new life together. During the ceremony, the couple jumps over a broom, which represents the sweeping away of their old lives and the beginning of their journey as a married couple.
This practice has historical significance, particularly during the era of slavery in the United States when enslaved people were often denied the legal right to marry. By jumping the broom, couples could publicly affirm their union and celebrate their love in a meaningful way.