Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday, folk signs and long-forgotten traditions. Palm Sunday - traditions, rituals and customs of the holiday

As Palm Sunday approaches, signs become especially important and significant. At this time, it is customary to make forecasts almost a year in advance about the weather and the future harvest.

Lazarev Saturday

Another holiday celebrated on Saturday Palm Week, - The Raising of Lazarus.

They sent word to Jesus that his friend and associate Lazarus of Bethany was seriously ill, and they asked him to hurry. It was not clear why Christ was in no hurry. And only after the news that Lazarus had died did he set off.

When he arrived in Bethany, four days had already passed since his death. The relatives and friends of the deceased were in deep sorrow. Jesus prayed earnestly near the cave where Lazarus was buried.

He cried out to God to perform a miracle. After the prayer, the stone blocking the entrance was moved away, and those present saw the miracle of the resurrection. 4 days ago Lazarus turned out to be alive.

Christians have been celebrating Lazarus Saturday since the 4th century. Three and a half centuries later, a certain canon for holding services on this day was developed. Chants during the service do not indicate an accidental miracle, but an important symbol of strengthening faith.

After sunset, during the evening service, willow branches begin to be blessed. This is the beginning of the celebration of Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday holiday

As mentioned above, Palm Sunday is church canons starts on Saturday evening. But the main services and the blessing of the willow are held on Sunday.

Among other things, in Rus' this holiday symbolizes the awakening of nature after a long winter. It is not for nothing that the northern Slavs chose the willow as a symbol of this day. The tree is a harbinger of spring. As soon as the sun warms the air, fluffy lumps hatch into the light. They are the ones who give faith in warm days to come.

Orthodox Christians joyfully celebrate Palm Sunday. How is this day celebrated in Russia? People of any age go to the nearest church on Sunday morning to bless willow branches. Churched parishioners stand at the service, performing prayers and participating in chants. Upon returning home, it is customary to lightly whip the household with willow with wishes of health and grace.

Blessed branches are placed next to icons, braided into braids, made into amulets, nailed to outbuildings. A year later, on the eve of a new holiday, the willow is burned.

If you know the exact date celebrations, you can prepare in advance. How to calculate what date Palm Sunday will be celebrated in a given year? To determine the date, you need to know what day Easter will be. Exactly one week before the Resurrection of the Lord, the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is celebrated.

What not to do

Palm Sunday is a significant holiday for Christians. Any work on this day is undesirable. Some don't even recommend cooking. IN modern world everything has become much simpler. There are services and professions that require daily work, regardless of calendar dates. But if there is no particular need for something, then it is better, of course, to postpone it.

In the old days, women were forbidden to comb their hair on this day, just like on the Annunciation. It is clear that this is hardly possible now. Although owners of long curls can observe the ban. Hair braided in a braid, covered with a scarf on top, can easily go a day without combing.

What other prohibitions exist on Palm Sunday? What is completely unacceptable is to indulge in gluttony. The end of the sixth week of fasting does not imply a rich feast. A little wine, Lenten dishes prepared with vegetable oil, fish is the basis of the festive table.

Holiday traditions

The main and main tradition of the holiday is the blessing of willow branches. It is believed that there should be exactly as many of them as there are people in the family. Some peoples weave from these branches family amulets. Their strength is great. They protect the house from bad people and fire, they save from hurricanes and floods, from poverty, despondency and disease.

On Palm Sunday, signs for the weather and harvest are especially reliable. They are supported by families for generations. This is especially important for residents involved in agriculture.

The tradition of putting coins in bread comes from Belarus. In this way, you can determine who will have good luck and prosperity all year long.

IN certain areas It is customary to place consecrated branches in the coffin of the deceased. This tradition goes back to the very beginning of Christianity. It is believed that thanks to the willow you can enter the gates of heaven and greet the Savior there. Among other things, the willow tree is a symbol of life and awakening.

Palm markets are traditional. Children especially love this entertainment, since the main product is sweets. In addition, pleasant little things for the household are offered and the same willow, collected in bouquets and decorated with ribbons and paper angels.

A tree grown from a blessed branch increases wealth in the house. Therefore, bouquets brought from church are placed in water and carefully monitored to see if roots appear.

Rituals and customs

Many folk signs on Palm Sunday have long grown into rites, customs and rituals.

If you live near a river, try lowering a willow branch into the water. If it floats away from you, then in the near future an increase in wealth in the house is expected.

Branches attached to the roof will protect the inhabitants of the house from illness and mental anguish.

Whipping children with branches on holiday is the most common ritual. With every blow, a wish for health is spoken.

Here is another custom for increasing wealth. At complete ban If you do anything on this day, it is still recommended to plant a houseplant with thick round leaves. If the flower is accepted and grows rapidly, you can be sure that wealth will come to the house.

Rituals on Palm Sunday are traditions that go back centuries. Whether to believe them or comply with them is something everyone decides for themselves. For some, this is a principle of life, and for others, it is just a beautiful addition to a day off.

Use of consecrated willow in folk medicine

It has long been believed that willow contains enormous healing power. Sprinkling with holy water increases it several times. How can you use twigs brought from church on Palm Sunday? What to do with them to improve health? Here are some examples of the use of willow for medicinal purposes:

• By taking a decoction of the branches, you can get rid of headaches, fever, temperature, and insomnia.
• Rubbing the decoction into sore spots relieves rheumatic pain.
• Willow infusion with vodka will help cope with intestinal infections and disorders.
• The leaves are capable of healing wounds.
• Swallowing consecrated blossoming buds helps with infertility.
• Babies sleep more peacefully after bathing in water infused with willow branches.

Willow in folk medicine It is used wherever it grows and enjoys well-deserved respect.

Folk signs

Folk signs for Palm Sunday have long come into use. They are passed down from elders to younger ones and become part of our lives.

Calm, sunny weather promises a warm, windless summer and a rich harvest. A strong wind promised cool weather.

A cold but clear day gave hope for spring crop yields.

A frost-free Palm Sunday increases the chance of an abundance of fruit.

The number of blossoming earrings also served as an indicator of the future harvest.

And on this day it is customary to mentally call on your loved one, and the meeting will definitely take place.

Every year for many centuries in a row, the church opens its doors to everyone who believes in salvation. Palm Sunday is a holiday symbolizing the power of faith and its revival. Willow branches and bouquets bring peace and protection to the house. Following the first sun rays Hope for the best arises in our hearts. And even if this day is fraught with a lot of sadness, it is still a harbinger of the Light Christ's Sunday and the salvation of all mankind.

On the first day of April 2018 we will celebrate Palm Sunday. Of course, we know the most important tradition: on this day, fresh willow branches are always purchased, blessed, placed in vases throughout the house, and also given to acquaintances, relatives, friends and relatives. In fact, the celebration of Palm Sunday does not end with this good tradition. This day is rich in its history, traditions, rituals, signs and beliefs. And we’ll tell you about the most common of them right now.

History of Palm Sunday

Almost everyone knows the history associated with the celebration of Palm Sunday. The Savior, exactly a week before his death and resurrection, enters main city Jewish people- Jerusalem. Moreover, he arrived not on a horse, but on a donkey - an animal considered a symbol of peace and modesty. An enthusiastic crowd greets the Messiah and spreads palm branches right in the direction of his movement.

But we live in a country with a northern climate, like many other nations. That is why in our latitudes it is customary to buy not palm trees (and where can you get them in April?), but willow branches with budding buds - willows. These branches are considered symbols of rebirth, the pleasant breath of spring, which symbolizes new hopes and success in all endeavors.

Of course, the first thing they do on this day is to buy willows and take them to the church to consecrate them. The tradition can be shared by both believers and non-believers. After all, there will be nothing wrong with just enjoying the holiday atmosphere and going to church right in the morning. Such a scenario will pleasantly surprise and delight you and your loved ones, and blessed willows, whether we believe it or not, create a special mood.

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In Rus', the holiday began to be celebrated inXcentury. Considering that our country was formed inIXcentury, we can say that the custom of celebrating Palm Sunday has existed almost as long as the Russian state has been alive.

Rituals associated with willows

Of course main symbol holiday - these are willow branches. As soon as you bring them home, you should definitely put them in light vases throughout the apartment. There should be a bunch of willows in each room. Believers always have at least one icon in their home, placing it in a special corner where they can pray and simply mentally take a break from the busy rhythm of life.

In this case, it would be more than correct to place willow branches next to the icon. This perfectly enlivens the room - after all, willows can decorate an icon well and get everyone at home in the mood for the celebration of Palm Sunday. By the way, it is the custom of believers to keep the branches next to the icon throughout the year - exactly until the time comes to replace them with fresh willows. And old willow branches should always be burned, since they accumulate negative energy, which they try to remove from everyone in the house.

NOTE

It is better to stock up on willow branches in abundance. They are traditionally hung in all corners of the room. Today we can give an explanation for this approach: it is in the corners that negative energy. It does not pose any particular harm to health, but in any case it is better to clean the room than to leave everything as is. You can verify that this is true using the usual church candle. Light it and bring it to any corner. Pay attention to the flame - it will begin to smoke and may even crackle a little.

How Palm Sunday is celebrated - traditions

Nowadays you can celebrate the holiday with the whole family. I want to share such joyful moments with my family, pay attention to the children, and most importantly, give my participation to all those who live alone. Create small miracle- it's very simple. Sometimes you can just go to visit someone who has been waiting for you for a long time and give a gift to someone in need.

Of course, it’s worth visiting your family, friends, and people dear to your heart. According to the beautiful custom, give willows, make symbolic gifts for good luck. After all, the most important thing is not even a symbol, but our faith, a sincere attitude towards good thoughts and plans.

And here are a few more interesting features How to celebrate Palm Sunday today:

1. Those who observe fasting are allowed a relaxation: they can eat any fish dishes.
2. If you don’t fast, it’s okay. But it is important to keep in mind that excessive consumption of food and especially alcohol on such a bright day is undesirable. It is best to spend the holiday with a clear, clean head. Moreover, there are plenty of reasons for fun on other days as well. You can drink some good red wine - perhaps this is the most cozy and family-friendly drink.
3. And among culinary traditions, one can recall one interesting ritual, traces of which are lost in the mists of time. In Rus', it was customary to bake flour balls with a piece of willow inside (they simply put the kidney itself in the dough and baked it). Of course, instead of small bells, you can create any baked goods. Why not please the children and play with them? Put some kidneys in 3-4 buns - let the family look for who gets what.

And one last piece of advice. On such a bright day as Palm Sunday, you should not engage in strenuous activities, spend a long time cleaning the house, or putting things in order. Of course, in extreme cases, when something needs to be done urgently, this is allowed. But in order to feel the holiday, it is best to prepare for it in advance, so that on this spring Sunday you can pay attention to your family and have a good rest.

The Christian Church introduced the holiday of the Lord's entry into Jerusalem in the 4th century, and in Rus' it appeared in the 10th century and began to be called Palm Sunday, since the willow had the same meaning as palm branches.

According to the traditions of the holiday on the eve of Palm Sunday, in ancient times, Russian people went to the banks of the river to break willow, and this was a real rite. The willow was always blessed in the church with holy water, however, this tradition has survived to this day.

In warm countries, this day is celebrated with palm branches, but in our country at this time of year the leaves on the trees have not yet bloomed. Evergreen branches coniferous plants traditionally used in burial rites, so they cannot be used.

According to signs and beliefs, it was believed that the consecrated willow has healing properties, so they touched people with twigs, wishing them health, placed them at the head of the sick, applied them to sore spots, whipped children so that they would not get sick during the year and grow up healthy.

Crushed dried willow buds were added to various medicinal decoctions, which were used to treat wounds and skin diseases. Sometimes the buds were added to bread and other baked goods, and some baked bread in the shape of a willow twig. Palm porridge was made from the opening buds. But willow not only heals, it gives physical strength, courage and courage, so many young men made themselves amulets and talismans from willow buds.

• It was believed that if you eat a few willow buds before a long journey or some serious undertaking, then only success will await a person on his path and in his business. Icons were decorated with branches and hung in the corners of rooms, which many still do to this day. Also, amulets made from willow buds were worn by women who did not have children. According to legend, you had to eat ten kidneys five days after the end of your period, this was supposed to help in conceiving a child. To ensure that the offspring were healthy, a willow twig was placed under the feather bed, and the newlyweds were showered with buds.
• Our ancestors believed that willow could impart sexual power not only to humans, but also to livestock. That is why domestic animals were lashed with a blessed willow branch, branches were hung in barns, and before the first pasture in the field, these branches were fed to the animals so that they would not be poisoned by poisonous herbs, or become victims of diseases, thieves and predatory animals. Not a single day goes by without weather-related signs. And Palm Sunday is no exception.
• If it rains on Palm Sunday, wait good harvest. This sign is based on many years of observations of our ancestors. They noticed that if on a given day it's raining, then the harvest will be simply wonderful. If, on the contrary, the weather is dry, then you may not expect a harvest. And, if the sky is cloudy, cloudy, but there is no rain, then the harvest will be quite good, but not as much as we would like.
• It was also believed that the willow could protect the house from natural elements. A house in which there is a consecrated willow branch will not be struck by lightning. If during a fire you throw a willow into the fire, it will go out faster and the flame will not spread to another building. And twigs thrown into the water during ice drift will help avoid large floods.

If by the next Palm Sunday there were still unused branches in the house, then under no circumstances should they be thrown away. They must be burned and thrown into a stream or river, and the water should not be stagnant. When choosing new branches, they gave preference to young trees growing near rivers. It was forbidden to take branches from trees growing near the cemetery, or on which there were nests and hollows.

Many people, believers and not, even today, on the eve of Palm Sunday, decorate their home with willow branches, because this plant gives joy and awakens spring in the heart.

Signs for Palm Sunday

Tap your body with a willow twig- you will be healthy for a whole year. Perhaps this is the only sign that people know about today. First, a willow twig is blessed on this day in the church, and after that the twig is tapped on the body and the sentence is said: “Be as strong as the willow, as healthy as its roots and as rich as the earth.” This preference is given to the willow because it is, perhaps, the most tenacious tree that exists in nature. It is believed that even if a willow stick is stuck into the ground upside down, it will still take root and grow. It is for this reason that willow can give health to a person, because it itself is very strong.

Eat a willow bud- an important matter will be decided. It was customary to keep consecrated willow branches for a whole year near the icon. If you have to go to important negotiations, or you are about to start a very important business for you, and you are not sure of the result, then willow will help you here too. But only the willow that was consecrated in the church on Palm Sunday will help. When going on an important task, you need to tear off three buds from a branch and eat them, washing them down with holy water, while thinking about your business. True, this property of a twig can only be used as a last resort. Constantly, don’t, it’s better not to disturb the willow, it can go sideways.

On Palm Sunday, think about your loved one., he will come. Superstition? More likely. But before, a young girl, if she liked some guy and he didn’t pay any attention to her, would wait for this very day. Starting in the morning, she began to think about who was dear to her heart. Her thoughts were somehow incomprehensibly transmitted to this guy. And in the evening he came to her to invite her for a walk. In principle, it has long been proven that human thought is material. Everything we think about inevitably happens sooner or later. real life. Perhaps Palm Sunday has such an energy that allows us to bring our thoughts to life much faster than on any other day.

Plant a houseplant for Palm Sunday- you will be rich. It used to be believed that if you plant on this day indoor flower, then he will attract money into your life. In the cities, of course, they kept houseplants, but in the villages there was no time for that. But those who knew about this sign and planted indoor plants quickly got back on their feet. But this sign has several features that few people know about. Firstly, if the flower withers within a month, then you will have to live your whole life in poverty. And secondly, you only need to plant plants with large and fleshy leaves. By the way, one of these plants is now called the money tree. In order for it not to wither and grow well, you need to know the special rules for planting and caring for it. By the way, it was noticed that in the house where Money Tree It grows well, there is always prosperity and there is no shortage of money.

Poultry is not allowed outside- the witch will ruin it. Perhaps earlier they were confident in this sign, but not now. It was believed that a week before Easter, witches began to go on a rampage. After all, starting from Easter and all the holidays, their power temporarily decreased. So they tried to cause mischief, so to speak, for the future. It was believed that it was on poultry that witches took revenge. But it’s not known whether to believe this sign or not. But in villages to this day, those who keep the bird try not to let it out into the street on Palm Sunday.

There are holidays that we have heard about and know about, but we do not know about the signs associated with this day. We don't worry too much because we don't know what customs to follow. But when troubles happen in our lives, problems appear, then we begin to think where all this comes from, and why all this is on our heads.

Beliefs on Palm Sunday

Headaches are spoken of on Palm Sunday.
To do this, after combing your hair, remove the hairs from the comb and put them in water.
Pour this water over the willow tree on Palm Sunday and say:
“Water, go to the ground along with your headache.”

On Palm Sunday they cast a love spell on a willow tree.
To do this, break a twig and say:
“As long as the willow lies behind the icon,
Until then, my husband will not stop loving me, he will not forget me. Amen".
Place the willow behind the icon.
Just don’t throw away the enchanted twig under any circumstances!

Remember that the branches from Palm Sunday must be preserved.
They help in the treatment of many diseases!

It is believed that on Palm Sunday it is customary to hit the back of the person you wish good health with a willow.
But know that the one who slapped you on the backside wishes you harm.
Since, having lashed willow into this great holiday, they may wish you harm, and it will come true.

They consecrate the willow. And then they keep it in the house all year in a vase or behind icons.
With old willow that has stood for a year, they sweep all the corners, windows, thresholds,
they thank her for her service and burn her. You need to hit all your pets and animals on the back with a new sacred willow, and say out loud: “Whip willow, beat me to tears,” - this will add health.

Buds and fluff from holy willow help with female infertility and enuresis.

Today you can bake holy willow fluffs into bread
and give to sick pets - they will be healed.

To everyone who helps their loved ones with castings
or another method to remove damage or treat,
this amulet against interception will come in handy: today you need to eat on an empty stomach
3 willow buds and wash down with holy water. Then say:

“St. Paul waved the willow and drove away other people’s illnesses from me.
Just as it is true that Palm Sunday is celebrated, so it is true that
that other people’s illnesses don’t bother me. Amen".

If you are an Orthodox person, then before this you need to take communion.

Based on materials - mirkrasoty.life

Orthodox believers will celebrate Palm Sunday this year on the first day of the second month of spring. This is a big holiday, which church calendar called the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. There are various conspiracies and signs that, thanks to the power of the day, help make the life of every person better.

Eat church traditions and customs on Palm Sunday, and there are various folk signs and conspiracies. It's a big holiday christian church, when they celebrate the entry of the Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem during his life on earth more than two thousand years ago. Local residents greeted Jesus with palm branches, and in our Slavic villages palm branches were replaced by willow. After all, the willow is the first tree that blooms in the spring and can delight you with beautiful, interesting bouquets.

It is clear that most of the conspiracies on Palm Sunday are, of course, associated with “seals” or the blossoming buds of a willow tree. In this material we will consider the main folk beliefs, which have survived to this day and are performed in many families.

Important! Do not forget that all rituals must be carried out exclusively with consecrated willow. On the day of Palm Sunday, bouquets are blessed at a service in the temple; this can also be done in the evening at a service in the temple.

In the villages they whipped each other, and especially children, with blessed branches. But they did this not for idle pleasure, but so that the person would be healthy throughout the year. That is, this is a kind of healing ritual.

If you have a cherished desire, then you can eat a bud of a consecrated willow to fulfill it. Most often, this ritual was performed for women who could not conceive a child for a long time (in such a situation, it is recommended to eat three kidneys and pray).

If on Palm Sunday you just think about a person you haven’t heard from for a long time or would just like to receive a twig, then he will definitely appear in your life soon.

You can plant one branch from a holiday bouquet next to your house. In villages in Rus' it was believed that such a ritual would bring prosperity and peace to the home. By the way, if you need love, then plant a violet at home, and if you need money, then choose it for planting as house plant on this day there is a money tree. Kalanchoe or aloe planted this Sunday will improve your health.

Many signs were related to the weather. In particular, the wind promises a summer with strong winds. If the sun is shining brightly and there are no clouds in the sky, this is a sign that there will be a lot of harvest and juicy ripe fruits in the summer.

For women who want to conceive there is one more strong ritual. You need to cut the number of young willow branches according to the number of full years. With this festive bouquet, go to the temple and consecrate it. At home, place branches in the bedroom and place one under the bed.

In order to have a satisfying year when making baked goods on this day, be sure to add zest to the Lenten dough. It is recommended to distribute these baked goods to friends and family in honor of the holiday.

To improve the health of livestock, you need to give each pet a nut.

Health spells on Palm Sunday

• For persistent severe migraines, you need to take a few hairs from your head, throw them into the water and ask the water to take away the pain and give you health.
• The custom of lashing the back with a willow has already been mentioned in our material. With consecrated bouquets they lightly beat each other without fanaticism to ensure health and strength.
• There is a special conspiracy for women who are infertile. You will need to make a decoction from willow buds and drink it in several sips. Then in the mornings until Easter, pray to the Lord and ask that the blessed willow branches cleanse the body and give health in order to conceive and bear a baby. This ritual is done on the waxing moon, plus you should definitely pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Spells for wealth on Palm Sunday

• After the service in the temple, give alms to people who ask for it. At the same time, say to yourself that you give money to people for good luck, and for wealth for yourself.
• Place amulets around the house in the form of ordinary coins, but be sure to spell them first. Just say when you hide it that the Saints will send prosperity to your home before Easter. The charmed coin can be hidden somewhere around the house, or you can put it in your wallet.
• A powerful ritual for money is to place consecrated branches in water and wait for them to take root. Then plant the willow in the ground and take care of the tree.
• If you find yourself in a situation where a person cannot repay a debt, then you need to turn to this conspiracy. To carry it out you need a box of matches and a candle. Light a candle and take it in your hands, say that the wax from the matches will settle in the person’s ears until he repays the debt (this is meant metaphorically). Put the matches in a hiding place and wait for the debt to be returned, then burn them.

What not to do on Palm Sunday

Let this day be a holiday, but it goes Lent. Therefore, you should refrain from entertainment or drinking alcohol. You can cover the modest festive table, on which it is allowed, as an exception, to place fish dishes too.

If you see people on the street with willow branches in their hands, it means that a holiday called Palm Sunday is coming soon. The history of the holiday is extremely interesting and shrouded in legends. In this article we will lift the veil of secrecy and tell you where this day and the traditions associated with it came from.

Steps into the past

So, Palm Sunday... The history of the holiday has two versions of its origin. One of them is Christian. It says that it was on this day that Jesus Christ rode a donkey for the first time into the city of Jerusalem. How it all began?

In 30 AD, the distant and near surroundings of the city of Jerusalem were excited by rumors about a certain wanderer performing such miracles as healing the terminally ill and even resurrecting the dead!

They said that the blind began to see again, and the lepers regained healthy skin. And the most discussed incredible event is the resurrection of a certain Lazarus, who died four days ago, but emerged from the crypt alive and unharmed. Of course, all these miracles were performed by Jesus, nicknamed the Savior and Messiah by the people.

In the Son of God as soon as possible A huge number of followers and students appear who spread good news about their Teacher. Ordinary people see in Jesus their bright future, and most importantly, freedom from their Roman enslavers.

However, the authorities of Jerusalem, for obvious reasons, did not share the anticipation of happiness and joyful expectations - and no wonder. The appearance of the Messiah would have shaken, or even completely destroyed, the order convenient for them.

Riding a donkey

And then came the day that the rulers of Jerusalem so feared - Jesus decided to visit the capital of Judea. At the same time, the Savior, who usually traveled on foot, suddenly asked his followers to bring him from the nearest settlement a young donkey, which no one had sat on. When Jesus’ request was fulfilled, his clothes were laid on the donkey, replacing the saddle with them, and the Savior headed to the main gate of Jerusalem.

According to those times and traditions, the entry on a donkey through the gates of the city spoke of peace and the exceptionally good intentions of the newcomer, while a guest arriving on a horse symbolized That is why the Son of God chose a donkey - in this way he wanted to show that he came in peace and without malicious intent.

It was a triumphant entry! Jubilant people, without hiding their joy, covered the Savior’s path with palm leaves and their clothes, thus showing their boundless love and highest respect for the Son of God. Children, girls and women ran behind the donkey carrying the Messiah on its back, waving palm branches, symbolizing the highest honors. Therefore, Palm Sunday (the history of the holiday is connected not only with religion, but also (indirectly) with geographical location and the climate of Israel, which is why it is also called Palm Sunday) means the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, for God the Father himself visited the city in his Son. The holiday itself is a symbol of the fact that Israeli people believed in Jesus and recognized him as the Messiah, the Savior, whose calling is to make the world a better, kinder and more harmonious place.

Alas, after just four days, the same jubilant people will frantically demand the cruel crucifixion of the one whom they themselves called the Messiah and Savior of the human race.

Palms and willows

Most likely, the reader will have a question: if the path of the Son of God was covered with palm leaves, why is this holiday called Palm Sunday in Russia? The history of the holiday says that this is due to the fact that palm trees have never grown in Rus', while the Palestinian climate is unsuitable for willow, which is dear to Russian people. That's why Orthodox Church decided to change the plant symbolizing Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday, the Orthodox version of which is relevant today, involves using willow branches instead of palm leaves from another, pagan rite that existed in Rus' in pre-Christian times.

Pagan holiday

As already mentioned, the history of the Palm Sunday holiday has two versions of its origin. The second of them goes back to the times of paganism. To be more precise, it originates in an ancient Slavic holiday called Verbokhlyost. What are the connections between Palm Sunday and history?

The fact is that Verbokhlyost is a festival of fertilization. In paganism, close relationships between a man and a woman were not considered a sin, but quite the opposite - they were perceived as a manifestation of a Divine act, as a result of which children were born. The children grew up to be strong warriors, hardworking plowmen, future mothers and healers and teachers. In a word, the more children there were, the more chances the people had for a prosperous life.

Cheerful custom

During the Willow Whip holiday, there was an interesting custom - young men whipped willow branches at the girls’ legs, and they, in turn, laughed loudly and deliberately squealed. This ritual symbolized the act of fertilization. They did the same with livestock - after all, the larger the livestock, the more satisfying life would be.

Why exactly a willow, and not a plum or, for example, an apple tree? The fact is that for our ancestors the willow was a symbol rapid growth, powerful to life and, of course, fertility. And no wonder - it is the willow that throws out buds and blooms first among all plants.

When Christianity appeared in Rus', pagan idols were rejected and forgotten over time. And yet, the history of the Palm Sunday holiday inevitably takes us back to those distant times.

The fact that the history of the Palm Sunday holiday began with the Willow Whip is indicated by the fact that in other countries, for example, in Slovakia, where the traditions of their ancestors are honored, this custom is still alive. There, even today, guys, without any religious background, recklessly whip young ladies with willow branches and even douse them with water!

Holiday without date

When exactly is Palm Sunday celebrated? The history of the holiday is directly related to Easter, and is celebrated a week before its onset, immediately after. Since Easter also occurs on a different day each time, Palm Sunday also falls on different dates.

The power of the willow

On the Saturday before Palm Sunday in all Orthodox churches held all-night vigil, during which the priests sprinkle them with holy water, sanctifying the willow and giving it magical properties.

For example, it protects the house from thunderstorms and fires, all its inhabitants - from and willow buds cure many diseases. That is why the willow brought from the church is placed at the head of the bed on which an ill person is lying, and children are also lightly lashed with shoots so that they grow up healthy and strong. In addition, it is customary to bathe little ones in a decoction of consecrated willow branches to keep them healthy. It is also believed that willow buds help overcome infertility, so many desperate women who dream of a child eat them and pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Palm diet

All Orthodox Christians strictly observe Lent before Easter. Days are especially harsh in this regard Holy Week, when true believers strictly limit themselves in food. And yet, on Palm Sunday, everyone can indulge themselves and pamper their body with fish, washed down with wine.

And a long time ago in Rus', to celebrate Palm Sunday, they baked buckwheat pancakes, cooked mash and cooked fish pies. In addition, there was an interesting custom of baking holiday bread - as many pieces as there were people in the family. A coin was hidden in one of the loaves of bread, and the one who received this surprise treat was literally doomed to happiness, health and good luck for 12 months.

Fairy tales for children

Try telling your children about Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday for children, of course, should be adapted to their perception and accessible to the understanding of little Orthodox Christians. Show your kids beautiful willow branches, let them touch, smell, and hold in their hands. Tell us that the willow is the first of all trees to bloom and brings spring to the world. After this, you can tell the children about Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday (photos, drawings and pictures are also advisable to use) will be perceived by young listeners as fairy tale. You can even act out skits. Don’t forget to mention why we have willow instead of palm leaves, while also talking about the climate of Palestine.