jump the besom

1. To jump from one side of a besom (a traditional kind of broom) to the other with one's new spouse. A custom that originates in various European heritages, it is now a widespread tradition in African-American communities, where it is known as "jumping the broom." It's important to me that we both jump the besom during our ceremony. Jumping over the besom symbolizes the sweeping away of one's past life and the start of a new one with your spouse.

2. By extension, to get married. It seemed like Thomas wasn't ever going to jump the besom, but I suppose it's never too late to find love. Martin and Mary will be jumping the besom next summer.