Broom

Broom and Sweeping Superstitions

Throughout the years many broom and sweeping superstitions have been lurking about. The broom has been connected to symbolism for centuries.

In Ancient times the brooms in the temple were sacred. Only those with clean hands were allowed to use them.

Always sweep inward

Would you believe it matters how you sweep according to superstition?

It matters a great deal.  You must start by the door and sweep your dust inwards.

Finally, gather all your dust and carry it outside to the trash.

Sweeping toward the front door will drive luck out of the house.

Broom superstition in South America

In South America some take extra precautions. This ritual may be used before sweeping the outside doorway.

Before you start your sweeping job fill a bucket with warm water and basil leaves. Soak the broom in the bucket and sweep away.

This is supposed to bring luck into the home. They say it is extra lucky if you do it nine days in a row.

Yet others say you should dip your broom into cinnamon water. That should bring luck.

Sweeping during Chinese New Year

Many Chinese never sweep in their home the first two days of the Chinese New Year.

That would be like sweeping all good luck away from the home for the coming year.

Do not sweep over the feet of someone

You better not sweep over the feet of a person who is single. If you do, that person will not marry.

There is still hope.

If that person remembers to instantly spit on the broom the “spell” is broken.

Single women: Beware of the Broom

Here is another strange old superstition. 

If a single woman stepped over a broom lying on the floor, she would become pregnant out of wedlock.

Sweeping the Guestroom

Wait a couple hours after your overnight guest has left before sweeping the guestroom.

What happens if you sweep the room right after the guest has left?

The guest will not return for another visit.

Mourning and Sweeping in Africa

You should never sweep your home the first three days of mourning.

That will sweep away prosperity.

Even worse, it would offend the soul of the newly departed.

This was and still is a superstition found in many parts of Africa.

Sweeping after sunset

Considered bad luck in many Southern traditions.

Sweeping at night might invite evil spirits or sweep away your prosperity.

Also, in Europe it was unlucky to sweep your home after dark.

The New broom in May

 In England there was an old broom superstition in the 19th and 20th century. 

You should never bring a new boom into the home during the month of May.

The reason is that the trees from which brooms were made start to blossom in May. That would be inviting bad luck.

Some took it one step further and refused to sweep during the month of May. This was all bad news for broom sellers.

Storing Your Broom

Put away your broom with the bristles up.

According to old superstition this act brought good luck.

 It makes sense if we disregard the superstitious aspect.

Placing your broom with the bristles up keeps the bristles in good condition longer.

Broom behind the door

Placing a broom behind the door is thought to make an unwelcome guest leave sooner.

Some say it “sweeps” them out.

A New Broom for a New Home

Order your new broom today

When you move do not pack your broom.

It is bad luck to move an old broom into a new home.

An old broom in a new home will carry the bad energy from the old place.

Always purchase a new broom for your new residence. For extra luck make sure the new broom is in place before you move in.

Remember the golden rule: never sweep dust from your home out the front door.

Accused of Sweeping Away the Neighbor’s Luck

During the Middle Ages sweeping without permission could upset many people. 

If someone swept the dust from your front door, they would sweep away your good luck.

The Case of Alice Kyteler

In Ireland the first woman to be accused of witchcraft was named Alice Kyteler.

In 1323, she was accused of some serious crimes.

These included murdering her husbands with poison and sorcery. She had four husbands.

 Alice Kyteler was also accused of robbing her neighbors.

She did this by sweeping the dust from in front of their doors.

Everyone knew this act would rob them of their money and good fortune.

Alice Kyteler managed to escape and fled the country.

Her maid was not so lucky and burned at the stake on November 3, 1324.

Jumping the Broom

“Broomstick wedding” is a term from the 18th and 19th centuries in England.

Jumping the broomstick referred to weddings that were not legal weddings.

In America slaves who lived on plantations had horrific lives.

They were often refused the right to get married. Naturally they fell in love and yearned to marry.

The slaves solved the problem by having their own wedding ceremony. This is known as “Jumping the broom”.

The wedding couple jumped over the broom together. They were then considered a married couple.

The broom was a symbol of sweeping away the old. This made way for new fresh beginnings.

Others claim the stick on the ground represented their new home. They jump into their new home as a couple.

Some African Americans have started taking up this old ritual. This is a way of acknowledging and honoring their ancestors.

The Wood of the Broomstick

Old tradition has it that the wood the broom was made of mattered.

Oak wood

Wood from the Oak tree represented power, strength, and protection.

Oak was the sacred tree of the Norse god Thor and the Greek god Zeus.

The oak tree was also sacred to the Druids.

Ash wood

Ash wood was for roundabout protection of the home.

In Norse mythology the World Tree called Yggdrasil was an Ash tree.

In Norse mythology the first man was created from the wood of the Ash tree.

It was also believed that broomsticks made from Ash wood would help witches fly faster.

Redwood

A broomstick made from Redwood symbolized longevity.

The reason is obvious, as Redwood trees can live for a few thousand years.

Beech wood, Walnut, Pine Tree and Maple

Beech wood symbolizes prosperity and stability.

Wood from the Walnut tree represented good health.

Wood from the Pine tree was good luck to the household. Some said that the Pine wood could keep ghosts out.

Maple wood would bring love and prosperity into the home.