Jumping The Broom

This traditional but not too common Unity Ceremony could just as accurately be called "Taking a Leap of Faith". After the couple exchanges vows, they hold hands and jump over a broom that has been placed at their feet.

The symbolism of the broom is a threshold and jumping over it is entering into a new dimension of beginning. They are in new territory together and have left their "old" life and way of doing things behind. It's like the Star Trek mission 'To boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before". 

I was reminded of this ceremony while discussing with Christina and Mike their wedding plans. Christina recalled how much the Jumping the Broom ceremony meant to her mother on her own wedding day. They are considering this as a special part of their own ceremony. Details of how the broom will be decorated and who will place it before them are to be worked out. Sometimes an old tradition can be made new again for couples looking for unique and creative ideas for their wedding.