A ritual is a ceremony often performed at weddings, particularly in African American and some Celtic cultures, where the couple jumps over a broomstick together. The ritual symbolizes sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, representing a fresh start in the couple’s life together.
African American Tradition
The practice dates back to the 18th century among enslaved African Americans. Since slaves were not permitted to marry legally, they created their own traditions to honor their unions. Jumping the broom symbolizes sweeping away the old, beginning a new life together, and warding off evil spirits.
Celtic Tradition
In some Celtic cultures, particularly among the Welsh and Romani people, jumping the broom was a folk practice that signified marriage. It was seen as a way to solidify a marriage when formal ceremonies were not available or accessible.
Having a Broom Jumping Ceremony
The broom is typically placed on the ground, and the couple holds hands and jumps over it together. Sometimes, they might say a few words or vows before the jump. In other ceremonies, guests may also be involved, perhaps by cheering or offering blessings.
The “jumping the broom” ritual is a cherished tradition that connects couples to their cultural history and adds a unique, personal touch to their wedding ceremony.
Modern Usage
Today, the ritual is incorporated into weddings as a nod to cultural heritage, and it’s seen as a meaningful and symbolic gesture of commitment. The broom itself is often decorated with ribbons, flowers, and other adornments to make it a special keepsake from the wedding day.
The Sand Ceremony
This is a symbolic ritual often performed during weddings to represent the union of two individuals or families. During the ceremony, the couple pours sand from separate containers into a single vessel, blending their sands together to symbolize the merging of their lives. It has roots in Native American, particularly Navajo, and Hawaiian cultures. It is also popular in contemporary weddings, particularly for beach weddings or outdoor ceremonies.
Symbolism
The blending of different sands represents unity, the joining of two lives into one. Just as the grains of sand can never be separated again, the couple’s lives are now intertwined. While the sand becomes a unified whole, the individual grains still retain their unique characteristics, symbolizing that each person maintains their individuality within the relationship.
Having a Sand Ceremony
The couple selects two different colors of sand, each representing one partner. A larger, often decorative, vessel is chosen for the combined sand. (Some couples use a vase or a specially designed container with the wedding date or their names inscribed on it.
The officiant explains the meaning of the ritual. The couple then takes turns pouring their sand into the larger vessel. (Sometimes, they pour simultaneously to create a layered or blended effect.) In family-inclusive ceremonies, children or other family members may also participate, adding their sand to symbolize the blending of families. The combined sand serves as a keepsake for the couple, a physical reminder of their union and the vows they made to each other.
Modern Usage
The sand ceremony is popular in both religious and secular weddings. It can be customized to fit the couple’s preferences, including using different types of sand, adding meaningful objects to the vessel, or incorporating readings and music.
The sand ceremony is a beautiful and tangible representation of unity and commitment, making it a memorable part of many wedding celebrations.