Black Love: Jumping the Broom

Black Love: Jumping the Broom Jumping the broom is an African American vernacular tradition that has been passed down through generations and is often incorporated in many Black weddings in order to bless the marriage and honor ancestors. Originally simple straw broomsticks were used, but over time they changed in order to fit the aesthetic of modern weddings. These brooms are frequently decorated with flowers, embroidery, and even ribbon. Marriage, defined as the legal and formal union of two people, has been around for centuries; however, it has not always been available to all people. Today marriage appears in many forms– interracial, same sex, and even open unions. During the 18th and 19th centuries, enslaved people were denied the right to marry legally, leading them to create their own ceremonial traditions in secret. At the close of these private ceremonies, couples would physically jump over a broomstick to symbolize and solidify their union as a couple in holy matrimony. During the ceremony, the bride and groom would even change their vows from “till death do us part” to “till death or distance do you part”. The change in vows recognized that the slave owner could separate couples because they were only seen as property. Jumping the broom can be seen as a Negro expression or performance, being that is a physical action that represents love and joy in the Black community. Zora Neale Hurston wrote, “Negro Expression is an act of confirmation that is aesthetically motivated and foundational to understanding the community that practices it,” meaning “this is me”, confirming one's identity and resisting the dehumanization placed upon them from slavery. The tragedy of slavery will not take away their human right to unite and celebrate their love for each other. Jumping the broom is used in the 21st century to recognize all that African Americans have gone through, and is a symbol of unity and love in Black culture. Money spreads, along with other traditions like tying the knot, pouring libations, and tasting the four elements, which incorporate West African customs. Today, jumping the broom continues to honor the struggles of the past while celebrating love, identity, and unity in the present.

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