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treeseed commented on the word jumping the broom
Jumping the broom is an African American phrase and custom relating to wedding ceremonies. In some African-American communities, recently married couples will end their ceremony by jumping together or separately over a broom. This practice dates back at least to the 19th century.
One particular scholar, Alan Dundes, claims that the practice originated among English Roma people better known as Gypsies. Wiccans and Roma are among the groups who developed their own style of a broom jumping tradition. The Welsh also had a centuries-old custom called priodas coes ysgub, or "broom-stick wedding" alluded to in Dundes' work.
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This practice has been embraced by some tradtions of Wicca in modern times and is sometimes the culmination of the handfasting ritual. This act symbolizes entering a new life together.
February 18, 2008