African-American Tradition
Long time ago, during the time of slavery, they did not enjoy the benefits of performing legal marriages and not even have the privilege of wearing bridal gowns and bridal jewelry and because of this, they have developed their own form of customs and traditions at weddings that until is being practiced.
One famous wedding tradition in an African-American wedding is the “Broom Jumping” According to the author of Jumping the Broom by Harriette Cole, slaves during those days was not allowed a proper wedding and to perform legal marriages, they made their own wedding rituals to honor their wedding unions. This broom jumping symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and welcoming the new, symbolizing a new beginning as a married couple.