Jumping The Broom

My wedding whilst slightly more traditional than most people thought it would be, has some really interesting pagan elements.

A handfasting, which is a pagan wedding ceremony, has some integral parts that have strong symbolic meanings.

One of these is 'Jumping The Broom' - and in essence that is exactly what it sounds like.

Brooms can be used to purify ritual space, by sweeping it clear of negativity - sympathetic magic in its' purest form. Brooms can be used more aggressively in banishing rituals.

The purifying property of brooms makes them useful as barriers when placed beside or over a doorway. 

 At handfastings, couples hold hands and leap over the broom - a custom originating in Wales.
This is possibly the oldest form of ceremony in paganism, even pre-dating the hand fasting cord. 

Jumping the broom is a symbol of establishing their new household, or marital state.

Wales was the first known location where jumping the broom took place. It symbolizes entering a new phase of your relationship. 

It's recommended to buy a new broom for the ceremony, as it is symbolic of a clean slate. You're leaving your bad behavioural traits behind you, sweeping them into the past.
The broom is jumped at the end of the main ceremony.
After the wedding it is hung above the threshold of the couples house, as a daily reminder of the promises made between them.

It's also a great time to get creative for your wedding.
Decorating your broom is highly advised.
Ribbon to match your colour theme.
Feathers. Flowers. Bells. Crystals. Special Charms.

I won't share full photos of my decoration until they're taken at the wedding ceremony, whilst Matt and I jump our broom and enter in matrimony. 

Feathers and Bells. 

Symbolic of a Beltane Maypole.