![]() Interestingly enough, the tradition gained newfound popularity and made a comeback in 1976, after it was featured in Alex Haley’s “Roots.” The broom ceremony was swept aside and became a distant ancestral memory. Representing a deep and poignant reminder of decades past, many blacks rejected the tradition in a similar way that many black women discontinued breastfeeding. In addition, the custom began to carry a stiff stigma as it regurgitated sickening memories of bondage and oppression. As a result, broom ceremonies were widely discontinued because blacks no longer needed the ritual to replace the legal union. The Constitution’s 13th, 14th and 15th amendments between the years of 1865-1870 allowed blacks to legally marry. Therefore, they used their standing broom ceremonies to represent the official confirmation of marriage. You see, slave marriages were not legally sanctioned and recognized by the state because slaves were not seen as citizens. In the U.S., slaves perpetuated this custom and incorporated it into their wedding ceremonies. Although, back in Ghana, the tradition ended around 1897. Regardless of where the tradition technically began, it clearly survived “ the middle passage,” and continued through generations of slavery here in the U.S. – The California American Museum Blacks couldn’t marry during slavery ![]() The husband’s confirmation as the household decision-maker (the highest jumper takes on this role).The wife’s commitment to keeping the house clean.Because of it’s deep cultural significance, Ghanaians incorporated the broom into weddings to signify sweeping away the past, removing negativity, and dismantling evil spirits at the onset of a marital union. For the wealthy, servants used brooms to make palaces and courtyards presentable to guests and visitors. Brooms were commonly used to keep roads clean, walkways immaculate, and homes in pristine order. I’m going to go with Africa for $200, Alex.Īccording to the African American Registry, research points to an origination in west Africa’s Ghanaian region during the 18th century. Everyone wants to claim it (at least, until we get to the rough part below). There are many debates as to where this tradition began. “But what does that mean?” It dawned on me how much, or rather how little, mainstream America knows about the sacred broom ceremony that continues to sweep it’s way down our generations. When I got married, I told a few of my white friends “I jumped the broom” and the collective response was confusion. A custom that many other racial groups know absolutely nothing about. A tradition that is symbolic of us paying respect to ancestors that came before us. A ceremony black families hold dear to our hearts. We actually jump over a broom! A ritual passed down through slavery. Now where I’m from, we say “jump the broom.” And it’s literal. Those are mainstream phrases associated with getting married.
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