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Traditionally, jumping the broom was also a means of sweeping away all negative energy, making way for all things that are good to come into your lives.

As our bride and groom jump the broom, they physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the land of matrimony. Minister: We end this ceremony with the African American tradition of jumping of the broom. Traditionally, the bride and groom participate in a tasting of the four elements of life – bitter, sweet, sour, and hot – as well as water to cleanse the palate, as a way of demonstrating the fullness of experience that each married couple will come to know over time. Marriage does not promise a state of euphoria or peace on a daily basis. The libation closely follows the family lineage and is a recitation of a couple’s links to each family member, living, dead and unborn. Like the wine in a communion, liquids used in libation are symbolic of the ancestral spirits. The supplication asks God for good wishes, and the conclusion ends by sending the spirits home and thanking participants and praying that they leave more blessed than when they came. The libation begins with an invocation to invite everyone to participate, followed by an introduction where ancestors, elders and family members may be named. Whether in jewelry, or in crafts, or in any other use you can imagine these shells are sure to add an exotic feel of Africa and make an excellent, one of a kind, fashion statement.A libation is a sacred communal ritual, used in traditional African life. However you interpret these tiny white shells they are a fascinating, unique addition to your wardrobe. Throughout Africa, and South and North America, the cowrie symbolized the power of destiny and prosperity. Spiritually, according to African legend if you are attracted to cowrie shells you could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth. Wherever the cowrie shells were found, it seems as if they were thought of as wealth Today excavations have found some of the money in the form of brass and silver cowrie shells. It has shown up in the form of money, jewelry, and even religious accessories in almost every part of the world. The cowrie shell soon gained popularity throughout much of ancient Africa. The ever popular cowrie shell has many uses and meanings. The Meaning and History of the Cowrie Shell Should you decide to incorporate this wonderful tradition in you wedding remember to do it with the honor and dignity it represents. Today's ceremony can be performed at the wedding, after the minister pronounces the couple man and wife or at the reception, just after the bridal party enters the reception area. It is said that broom jumping comes from an African Tribal Marriage Ritual of placing sticks on the ground representing the couple's new home together, I have also heard it said that the spray of the broom represents all of us scattered and the handle represents the almighty who holds us together. In their eyes this union was now sanctioned by "the almighty" For our ancestors, this small ritual was a legal and bonding act connecting them with the heritage of the home land and giving legitimacy,dignity and strength to their unions. During slavery, our ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity. Today "Broom Jumping" is a ritual, handed down from generation to generation to remind us of a time when our vows were not legally sanctioned. However, a few were considered harmless and allowed. Therefore it should be practiced with honor for your ancestors and the beauty of our rich heritage. During the slave "transitions" we were not allowed to practice many of the traditional rituals of our past therefore, much of our heritage was lost during this time. This broom ceremony represents the joining of two families, it's showing respect and pays homage to those who came before us and paved the way.

It's original purpose and significance has been lost over the years because of the association with slavery. History tells us that the ancestral roots of this ritual began deep in the heart of Africa. Jumping the broom has become one of the most popular African traditions at weddings-traditional and African-centered.