Just A Broom

Just A Broom looks at the humble sweeping device which has cleaned homes, hearths, temples, streets and bare earth for centuries. It has been used to celebrate unofficial and official weddings, to bless new homes or bring good luck but it has also been used in allegations of witchcraft with even a man of the cloth hundreds of years ago being accused of sorcery and riding a broomstick. Although he confessed, he was sentenced to a life in prison. The broom has symbolised liberation, and a clean sweep, but has also been ridden by farmers in the Middle Ages under a full moon to encourage a successful harvest. This story examines the historical roots of broom usage as well as superstitions and ongoing customs.