"Jumping the broom": on the origin and meaning of an African American wedding custom

Article Abstract:

Jumping the broom, a traditional marriage ritual for negro slaves during antebellum times, has become popular with contemporary African Americans who take pride in their ethnic origins. The revival of the wedding ritual also signifies that the new generation can find ways to enjoy old folklore. While some authors claim that the jumping ritual originated in Africa, there seems to be no evidence that the ritual per se is practiced anywhere in the continent.

Analysis

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"Jumping the broom": a further consideration of the origins of an African American wedding custom

Article Abstract:

Writer Alan Dundes' examination of jumping the broom, a wedding custom which was attributed to Africans, indicate that the custom was not of African origin. He concludes that the custom was only borrowed from Europeans since it was practised by British Gypsies and the Welsh. Other authors such as W. Rhys Jones and T. Gwynn Jones also conclude in their books that jumping the broom was practised until the middle of the 19th century.

Authors, Writers, Criticism and interpretation, Literature, Dundes, Alan, Jones, W. Rhys, Jones, T. Gwynn

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The motif-index and the tale type index: a critique

Article Abstract:

The 'Motif-Index of Folk-Literature' and Antti Aarne/Stith Thompson's tale type index are criticized for overlapping, censorship and ghost entries. Aarne is criticized for classifying tales by dramatis personae rather than narrative plot. Thompson practiced censorship by calling obscene motifs beyond the scope of admittance. Ghost entries include typographical errors or occasional omissions found in the work.

Literary themes, Folk literature

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