jumping the broom

Devinlyons

Is this strictly an African American tradition? I love what it means, but my fiance and I are both white????

Simply Fated

It didn't start out as an African American tradition, but it has become one. It dates back to celtic times. 

No, it is not strictly a tradition for just African Americans. I'm pretty sure white people can do the same things black people can do and vice versa.

divinemsbee

As a white woman who is marrying a white man, I wouldn't do it. I realize that it dates back father than slavery, and it has pagan and celtic origins, but, given its most recent history in this country, and specifically in my part of this country, I would just feel as though I were appropriating a culture. Specifically because the African American community used this ritual when they were not able to be legally married (and weren't legally people)it would just leave a bad taste in my mouth. If I were at a wedding where both parties were white and didn't have any pagan or celtic ties that were otherwise being used, I would side-eye this, a lot. 

renegade gaucho

If you aren't African American or pagan, don't do it.

SugarFoote

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_customs-traditions_jumping-the-broom?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:36Discussion:89452ca3-bdc4-4592-a62e-41fb1e00e8cePost:53c857b8-d309-4105-bd59-36b31219888d">jumping the broom</a>:
[QUOTE]Is this strictly an African American tradition? I love what it means, but my fiance and I are both white????
Posted by Devinlyons[/QUOTE]

Anyone can do this. But I have to agree with others. If you don't know the history of it, how can you truly love what it means?

I also would side-eye this.

Lisa50

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_customs-traditions_jumping-the-broom?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:36Discussion:89452ca3-bdc4-4592-a62e-41fb1e00e8cePost:53c857b8-d309-4105-bd59-36b31219888d">jumping the broom</a>:
[QUOTE]Is this strictly an African American tradition? I love what it means, but my fiance and I are both white????
Posted by Devinlyons[/QUOTE]

It is definitely <u>not</u> strictly an African American tradition.  I believe it's rooted in either Celtic or Pagan tradition.  I'm not an expert -- but I know someone who knows.  I'll send her to this thread.

handfast4me

Yes, thanks Lisa! It is, indeed a Pagan/Celtic tradition, and by most accounts originated in Wales. As I recall, a broomstick was placed over the doorstep to stake a claim for that woman. If she removed it, no relationship. If she stepped over it, then they would step back in together over it signifying the union. This was all prechristianity,of course, and the history is sketchy at best due to not many things being written. I may have part of that not totally correct, but I remember reading that when dh and I were handfasted and trying to decide if. We wanted to jump the broom or cauldron, or neither.

Devinlyons

Thanks for all the replies! When I said I love what it stood for I wasn't talking about past meanings I was talking about today's meanings. I will not be doing this just because I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable and clearly it means different things to each culture or era, but thanks again!