Image from the knot {photograph by Danielle Bordelon}
Jumping the Broom: This tradition started during slavery when Africa Americans were denied the right to get married. At the end of the ceremony, the couple jumps over a decorated broom to signify the leap their making in their new life together.
Crossing Sticks: During a prayer the bride and groom cross two branches to symbolize a rooted family and a grounded marriage. Many times the branches will come from a special place such as the bride and groom’s homes.
Tasting the Four Elements: This tradition symbolizes the different stages of marriage and the journey through both good and bad times. The couple tastes lemon to represent sour, vinegar to represent bitter, cayenne to represent hot and honey to represent sweet.
Sharing a Kola Nut: This is a symbol of healing and at Nigerian weddings, the couple and their parents share one to end the ceremony.
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