The Broom
This custom is a very Western one. It began because African 
American slaves were forbidden the ritual of marriage. The broom itself held a spiritual significance for many people of African descent because the new bride had usually helped other women in her new family sweep the courtyard clean. This symbolized her willingness to help out with her future family. During slavery, the couple would actually jump over a broom to begin the marriage. Today, this is becoming a traditional part of Afro-centric wedding ceremony as a way of honoring the trials of the couple’s ancestors. You jump the broom on your way out of the church.
In nearly all African tribes, the wedding is rich with symbolism representing the bringing together of two families. Anything that would center on this blending of families (such as the bride’s family and the groom’s family forming lines and then exchanging places) would be in keeping with this tradition. Have fun planning your African style wedding. You are not only creating a vibrant and visually appealing event, you are honoring your people who came before you.
