What's the name of the person who carries the broom...

Ok- I'm drawing a complete blank as to what to put in my program. Does anyone know what you call the person who carries the broom into the ceremony when you a doing 'jumping the broom'. I'm trying my hardest not to call him a broomsman! He would never forgive me for that. Even if you don't know the exact title- a suggestion would be appreciated.

thanks ladies

A witch?

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

I tried to find it on google for you.. no luck.. sorry

broom bearer doesn't sound right.. I actually think broomsman sounds cute if its a kid!

Ask Eliana!! (ENJFT)!!! She had this little cutie do the deed, I'm SURE she knows the proper title:

presenter, guard, bearer, maybe something with 'threshold' in it?

i dunno. i'm sure this was completely unhelpful. =0P

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Posted by hasanatiesinam

broom bearer...because it's always a child, rather than a grownup...like a ring bearer

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I agree. That sounds better.

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Posted by FutureMrsC

i am a little slow...what is the broom for?

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'Jumping the Broom' is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of new beginnings.

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


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. 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. During slavery, our ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity. 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. In there eyes this union was now sanctioned by 'the almighty'

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...... You decide


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.
Should you decide to incorporate this wonderful tradition in you wedding remember to do it with the honor and dignity it represents.

-Ka- Veronica Braddy- source

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Posted by hb123

A witch?

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

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It's really not funny

Our cleaning lady is named Pat she is always carrying a broom.........

I did a search and found a wedding review from Modern Bride they call it the BROOM BEARER

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Posted by COwens424

whats the story with the broom, i've never heard of such a thing?

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Please see my 2nd to last post, it has the whole explination.

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Posted by MeNBobs

Our cleaning lady is named Pat she is always carrying a broom.........

I did a search and found a wedding review from Modern Bride they call it the BROOM BEARER

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This was probably meant to be funny - BUT who makes a joke about people's cultural tradition especially relating it to a witch or a cleaning lady? If you don't know what the jumping of the broom is you need to expand your interactions with people!

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Posted by luvabilly

Thanks to everyone who posted regardless of how mean your answer was. I really appreciate your help.

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I'm glad you got your answer, but I'm so sorry that you also had to get such idiotic and ignorant comments along with it.

It's ok to ask if you don't know what it is, but it really isn't funny to mock another person's culture and traditions.

I agree that 'broom bearer' sounds appropriate.

I dont think anyone should get upset over some comments made on this thread. Being its so close to halloween I can understand some of the witch comments. Not everyone knows what other peoples cultures are and now we know. Dont take it personally.