You are about to see an array of
fascinating dolls fashioned around carvings of the familiar and
Mystical Akwaba Fertility Doll. I adorn each
of these truly unique dolls in elaborate and richly adorned outfits that
doll collectors, like myself, will find irresistible.
Remember these dolls are a samplings. Each
ordered doll is custom made to your color specifications. You can also
send a sample of fabric i.e. if planning a wedding and you want to
match the gowns of wedding party or you may
be performing the ceremony called "Jumping the Broom." see below.
In which case my dolls with or without the matching gown come complete
with broom.
Please feel free to send me your choice of fabric in which to clothe your doll.
A yard is more than enough.
Jumping the Broom
Dating
back to the 1600 when slavery first began in this country the courts nor churches of the
land
sanctioned the marriage of African slaves. However, some plantation owners allowed
their slaves to marry, although it was not legally recognized. According
to historical narratives, the couple "jumped the broom into the land of
matrimony."
It is believed that an African tribal marriage ritual
which involved the placing of sticks on the ground to represent the couple's new home
is the origin of this ritual in which the jumping of the broom is a
symbol of a new beginning.
The ceremony is 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.
Today, many
African-American couples jump the ceremonial broom as a way of honoring their
history and making a commitment.
The
Ceremony
Guests form a circle around the couple.
The main speaker discusses the symbolism behind the ceremony as it
relates to the newly wed couple and the combination of two families,
plus the need for the community to support the couple. This is done as
the newlywed couple hold the broom handle together and sweep around in a
circle until the host or designated person is finished talking.
At the end of the talk, the broom is placed on the
floor by the groom and everyone counts down "1-2-3-Jump!" and the
couple jumps over the broom.
