Jumping the broom is a phrase and custom relating to wedding ceremonies in different cultural traditions, found in "many diverse cultures, those of Africa − Europe including Scotland, Hungary and Gypsy culture", all of which "include brooms at wedding rituals." It has been particularly associated with the Romani gypsy people of the United Kingdom, especially those in Wales. It has been suggested that there is "evidence showing the wedding custom was practised by gypsies in England, Scotland" as well as by African Americans and other groups.
Read more about Jumping The Broom: Practice, Origin, Symbolism, Decline After The End of American Slavery, Stigma in African-American Communities, Other Groups, In Popular Culture
Famous quotes containing the words jumping and/or broom:
“We set up a certain aim, and put ourselves of our own will into the power of a certain current. Once having done that, we find ourselves committed to usages and customs which we had not before fully known, but from which we cannot depart without giving up the end which we have chosen. But we have no right, therefore, to claim that we are under the yoke of necessity. We might as well say that the man whom we see struggling vainly in the current of Niagara could not have helped jumping in.”
—Anna C. Brackett (1836–1911)
“If the juggler is tired now, if the broom stands
In the dust again, if the table starts to drop
Through the daily dark again, and though the plate
Lies flat on the table top,
For him we batter our hands
Who has won for once over the world’s weight.”
—Richard Wilbur (b. 1921)