In New Orleans, the
broom is a symbol for health, fertility, and protection. It also functions to
sweep away evil influences from the home. Our brooms sweep away evil messes,
negativity, and bad luck. Once your environment is free from negative
influences, then you will have success in business and work and luck in games of
chance. MOVE OUT THAT EVIL MESS AND MAKE THE DEVIL RUN WITH OUR
CHASE AWAY EVIL BROOMS!
"The humble broom
holds an elevated position in African and African American folklore, magicko-religious
beliefs and spiritual practices. Most folks are familiar with our reverence for
the broom because of its prominent role in traditional African American
weddings. The jumping of the broom ceremony, for example, has been embraced as a
vestige of Black heritage. Yet, looking into the elaborate broom etiquette and
customs of early African Americans and hoodoos only provided a partial
understanding of the role of the broom. For an in-depth understanding of the
relationship between brooms and Black folks, we must journey much further back
in time. Tracing the broom's usage back across the Atlantic sheds the brightest
light on its complex articulation in African and African American culture."
(From "The Broom in Hoodoo," page 43.)
Bird, S. R. (2004).
Sticks, Stones Roots and Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo & Conjuring with Herbs Llewellyn
Publications.
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