[R. Buchanan]

What did “jumping the broom” mean in marriage ceremonies among African Americans? I believe slaves did it at a time when the law did not recognize legal marriage for them.

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Name : R. Buchanan, Age : 42, City : San Diego, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : R.N., Education level : 4 Years of College, 

[Jennifer R.]

‘Jumping the Broom’ signifies (I say signifies because the custom is still practiced in the wedding ceremonies of some African-American couples) literally jumping from your old life alone into a life joined with your partner.

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Name : Jennifer R., Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Humanist, Age : 29, City : Saint Paul, State : MN, Country : United States, Occupation : Writer/Student, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[S.E.]

Since they could not sign any papers and many could not even write, jumping a broom was significant among themselves that they were joined in marriage. Many masters chose not to acknowledge this ritual or symbolism any way and still sold them. A history major could tell you more.

User Detail :  

Name : S.E., Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Age : 23, City : Bronx, State : NY, Country : United States, Education level : 4 Years of College, 

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