I would really like to incorporate Scottish broom jumping into our Celtic wedding ceremony. I know if the broom is just laid on the ground it is considered an African American slave tradition and this is not what we are after. How is the Scottish broom jumping done?
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edited by TWQadmin on Nov 15, 2007, 1:18 PM)
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WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Nov 15, 2007, 2:32 PM
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Re: [llynnyia] How to do Scottish broom jumping ceremony
[In reply to]
Dear Llynnyia,
This isn't a common Scottish tradition, although some non-traditional ceremonies may include it. It is similar and could accompany a handfasting, which was viewed as a 'practice' marriage element.
In the past, those who were interested in being a married couple could place a handmade broom (Besom) on the entrance of the home, the couple would jump over it in front of a witness, the couple is 'married'. They could decide within a year to jump back over it and out of the home if it didn't work out.
Some are incorporating the jumping the Besom theme into modern ceremonies. I'm not sure exactly how this would be done except to place the broom on the ground. A family member could meet the couple on the other side of the broom as a sign of unity.
I have read that a more common tradition would be the groom taking off his tartan at the end of the ceremony and placing it on his bride. This symbolizes the joining of the two families.
How to do Scottish broom jumping ceremony
