Asa mentioned, "A southernism I can remember from my South Carolina childhood is 'jumping the broom,' or getting married."

Where did that come from? Did southern weddings have some ritual involving a broom?

wordnerd, I haven't heard about it either, but here is a site with some interesting explanations.

Now, here is one I've heard of, from the historical society. The slaves would jump the broom in their marriage ceremonies. There is even an African-American wedding planning book by that title, as well as at least one children's picture book.

See this site or this site for more information on the custom from that perspective. Folks that I work for (my customers) often ask about this.