Jumping of the Broom

A really neat wedding tradition is the "Jumping of the Broom," which represents a formal and public declaration of a couple's commitment to each other. Here is a little how-to:

• Select a time to perform this tradition. Either at the very end of the ceremony or during the reception would be appropriate.
• Call your guests to gather around you and your new spouse.
• Place the broom on the floor and stand in front of it.
• Ask a family member or friend to narrate the history of this custom.
• Suggest that the narrator explain to guests that you are re-creating the ceremony as a way to represent the joining together of two lives and the need for support of the marriage from the entire community.
• Hold the broom with your spouse as the narrator shares this important information.
• Sweep the broom in a circle together until the story is finished.
• Place the broom on the floor and hold hands with your spouse.
• Ask the guests to count out loud to three.
• Jump over the broom together.