Palm Sunday: the essence of the holiday. Holiday Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is celebrated every year before the feast of Easter. This is one of the main Orthodox holidays, which marks the entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday symbolizes the recognition of Jesus Christ as the Savior and the prototype of the entry of the Son of Man into Paradise.

In Rus', this holiday began to be celebrated only in the 10th century. The symbol of this holiday is willow twigs, they were consecrated in a church or temple and distributed to passers-by, and they also decorated the house. Many different traditions and rituals are associated with this holiday, some of which are still observed today.

Signs of Palm Sunday

Some signs are also associated with this day, let's get acquainted with some of them:

• The male half of humanity in those distant times on this day made talismans from willow, which they then carried with them for a whole year. It was believed that they give strength, make a man brave and courageous.
• Willow buds were also credited with healing properties, so they were used to make decoctions, teas, and also added to food.
• For success in upcoming affairs, before starting, you need to eat a couple of willow buds.
• For childless women, it was supposed to make jewelry around the neck from willow earrings, and you also had to eat a few kidneys.
• In order for the cattle to give numerous offspring, willow branches were laid out in the barns, and the buds were added to the feed.
• Rain on Palm Sunday was considered a good omen, which means there will be a good harvest.
• It was impossible to just throw away the branches of the previous year, they had to be burned, and the ashes poured into the river.
• It was forbidden to cut branches from a willow that grew in or near a cemetery.

At present, there is a sign that you need to decorate your house with twigs, but kidneys do not add decorations, and even more so to food. According to folk signs, from which side the wind will blow on Palm Sunday, it will be like this all summer. If the weather is clear and warm on this day, then expect a good harvest, and frost promises an excellent harvest of spring bread.

Rites of Palm Sunday

On this day in ancient times, people observed many rituals, let's get acquainted with some of them:

• With a severe headache, it was necessary to comb the hair, remove a few hairs from the comb, throw them into the water, in which to put willow branches.
• On Palm Sunday, women did many love spells, for example, to save the family and the love of her husband, it was necessary to break willow branches and put them behind the icon. As long as they lie there, the husband will not stop loving.
• Light stitches with twigs bring happiness and health, so if you wanted to wish exactly this to someone, you had to lightly unfasten with willow.
• To cleanse the house of evil spirits and bad karma, the twigs were dipped in holy water and sprinkled throughout the house.
• To protect against fire, it was necessary to burn a willow branch.
• In order to always have prosperity in the house, the illuminated willow branch was lowered into the river.
• If you stick a willow into the roof of the house, then reliable protection from evil forces and all sorts of troubles is provided. Currently, you can hang a twig over the door in the apartment, then there will always be peace and quiet in the house.
• It has long been customary that one cannot work on this day, especially washing and mopping the floor.
• Previously, on Palm Sunday, they baked cookies with the addition of willow buds and treated them to neighbors and friends.

Of course, most of all these customs have long since sunk into the past, but the holiday is always celebrated.

Palm Sunday customs

Currently, some of them are also observed:

• If willow branches are whipped over the body, then health will not bother you all year. This rite is observed by some even now, with a consecrated twig they knock on themselves and their loved ones and at the same time read “Our Father”. Willow has always been considered a tenacious strong tree, and on this day it transfers its strength to man.
• If on this day a girl remembered her beloved from the very morning, then by the evening she would definitely meet him. Oddly enough, it always worked.
• On Palm Sunday, indoor plants were planted in the house, it was believed that this would bring prosperity. But it was necessary to remember that if the plant dries up, then the family is in danger of poverty, so they chose sprouts with a strong stem and a large number of leaves. Since then, it has been customary to plant a money tree for this holiday.

What could not be done on Palm Sunday?

Not only was it forbidden to work that day, but it was also impossible to drive pets out into the street. It was believed that evil spirits could harm them.

At present, almost all the customs and traditions of this holiday are not observed, but there is Palm Sunday, and most people celebrate it, visit temples on this day and wish each other health and well-being.

The tradition of celebrating Palm Sunday originated several centuries ago. This holiday, significant for all Orthodox Christians, means the coming to Jerusalem of Jesus, the Messiah and the savior of human souls.

The traditional willow, which is consecrated on this holiday, was not chosen by chance. The Son of God was greeted with palm branches, and in our climate, the willow, a symbol of rebirth, has always been the first beacon of spring.

Traditions and customs on Palm Sunday

The day before, on Lazarus Saturday, Orthodox Christians went to the forest and broke willow branches. They were taken to the temple for a festive service and consecrated. These bunches were always placed at home near the icons in order to ward off famously and hardships from all household members.

The ritual that came to us from our ancestors remained unchanged: it was customary to whip each other with willow branches in order to expel illness and negativity from the body. Willow buds were often baked with bread, which was then treated to their loved ones. They also gave willow buds to livestock to ward off diseases, mortality and secure a good offspring.

On Palm Sunday, priests call on Orthodox people to devote time to prayer, reflection on their actions, communication with loved ones and relatives. During the holiday, Lent continues, so you should refrain from entertainment events.

Another ancient tradition is to place illuminated willow branches in the hands of the deceased. According to beliefs, such a ritual allowed the soul of the deceased to be cleansed of sins and appear before the Savior with a symbol of rebirth and sinlessness in their hands.

On this day, relaxation in food intake is also allowed. Ahead of Christians is Holy Week, the most strict, therefore, on a festive Sunday, it is allowed to eat fish.

The centuries-old tradition, which is still used now, makes it possible to enlist the support of the Higher powers and gain well-being and prosperity for the whole year. To do this, you need to bake lean bread for each family member, and put a coin in one. The one who gets this filling will find happiness and good luck.

On Palm Sunday, women who dreamed of having a child swallowed several willow buds in the hope of soon becoming pregnant and bearing a healthy child.

Last year's willow branches were burned. They accumulated negative energy, which the consecrated branches collected during the year. Such a ritual also contributed to the cleansing of the house from the remnants of negativity, because you can put not only firewood into the fire, but also things that have gone out of use.

On Sunday, according to tradition, a new plant was planted and placed on the windowsill in the main room. It was believed that it would attract wealth to the house, and also contribute to a bountiful harvest in the fields and gardens.

Also, our ancestors on this day locked poultry and did not allow it to freely walk around the yard. It was believed that rampant evil forces seek to harm a person and encroach on weak and defenseless birds. People believed that the temporary lull of evil spirits began with Easter, and a week before it, she rampaged.

Palm Sunday has traditionally been associated with a symbol of new life. This also meant the continuation of the family. Girls on a holiday thought about their beloved or imagined possible suitors. According to popular beliefs, the first man from a strange family who entered the house was a harbinger of imminent marriage.

Folk signs on this holiday are still popular today. Remember that during a strict fast it is important to dedicate time to spiritual growth to enlightenment, so the priests forbid any fortune-telling and other ways to change your destiny. Spend this holiday with the closest people and enjoy the warmth of communication. We wish you happiness, and do not forget to press the buttons and

09.04.2017 05:12

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

Lazarus Saturday

Another holiday celebrated on Saturday of Palm Week is the Resurrection of Lazarus.

Word was sent to Jesus that his friend and companion 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, he set off.

When he arrived in Bethany, four days had 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 appealed to God with requests 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, Lazar 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. The hymns during the service do not point to an accidental miracle, but to an important symbol of the strengthening of faith.

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

Holiday Palm Sunday

As mentioned above, according to church canons, Palm Sunday begins on Saturday evening. But the main services and the consecration of the willow are held on Sunday.

Among other things, in Rus' this holiday personifies the awakening of nature after a long winter. No wonder the northern Slavs chose 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. It is they who give faith in the coming warm days.

Orthodox Christians celebrate Palm Sunday with joy. How is this day celebrated in Russia? People of all ages go on Sunday morning to the nearest church to bless willow branches. The churched parishioners stand the service, praying and participating in hymns. Upon returning home, it is customary to slightly unfasten the home with willow with wishes of health and grace.

The consecrated branches are placed next to the 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 of the celebration, 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 the modern world, everything is much simpler. There are services and professions that involve daily work, regardless of calendar dates. But if there is no special need for any business, 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 now this is hardly possible. Although the owners of long curls can comply with the ban. Braided hair, covered with a scarf on top, may well do without combing for a day.

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 plentiful feast. A little wine, lenten dishes cooked with vegetable oil, fish - this is the basis of the festive table.

Holiday traditions

The main and main tradition of the holiday is the consecration of willow branches. It is believed that there should be exactly as many as there are people in the family. For some peoples, family amulets are woven from these branches. Their strength is great. They protect the house from unkind people and fire, save from hurricanes and floods, from poverty, despondency and disease.

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

The tradition of putting coins in bread comes from Belarus. Thus, it is possible to determine who will be accompanied by good luck and prosperity throughout the year.

In some areas, it is customary to put consecrated branches into the coffin of the deceased. This tradition goes back to the very beginning of Christianity. It is believed that thanks to the willow, one can enter the gates of paradise and greet the Savior there. Among other things, the willow tree is a symbol of life and awakening.

Traditional willow bazaars. Children especially love this entertainment, as the main product is sweets. In addition, pleasant trifles for the household and the same willow, collected in bouquets and decorated with ribbons and paper angels, are offered.

A tree grown from a consecrated branch increases wealth in the house. Therefore, the bouquets brought from the church are placed in water and carefully watched for roots to appear.

Rites and customs

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

If you live near a river, try dropping a willow twig into the water. If she floats away from you, then in the near future, prosperity is expected to be added to the house.

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

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

And here is another custom for increasing wealth. With a complete ban on doing 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.

Rites on Palm Sunday are traditions dating back to the depths of centuries. To believe them, to observe whether - everyone decides for himself. For some, this is the principle of life, while for others it is just a beautiful addition to the day off.

The use of consecrated willow in folk medicine

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

• Taking a decoction of the branches, you can get rid of headaches, fever, fever, insomnia.
• Rubbing the decoction on sore spots relieves rheumatic pains.
• Willow infusion on vodka will help to cope with intestinal infections and disorders.
• The leaves are able to heal wounds.
• Swallowing consecrated open buds helps with infertility.
• Babies sleep more peacefully after bathing in water infused with willow branches.

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

Folk omens

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

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

A cold but clear day gave hope for the productivity of spring crops.

Palm Sunday without frost increases the chance for an abundance of fruit.

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

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

Every year for many centuries the church opens its doors to everyone who believes in salvation. Palm Sunday is a holiday that symbolizes the power of faith, its rebirth. Willow branches and bouquets bring peace and protection to the house. Following the first rays of the sun, hope for the best is born in the hearts. And even though this day is fraught with a lot of sadness, it is still a harbinger of the Bright Resurrection of Christ and the salvation of all mankind.

Hello friends!

Here again I decided to go over various holidays, and since the closest and most significant one will be this year on April 9th, that is, very soon, I will dwell on it. That's right, we're talking about Palm Sunday (aka Palm Sunday). But I will not look at this day from the angle we are used to, I want to remember the distant times and traditions and beliefs that we have almost forgotten.

But I’ll talk about this a little lower, but for now, a little background information (for the big picture, so to speak).

Palm Sunday in Christianity

Another name for this holiday is the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. Believers began to celebrate it as early as the 4th century, but it came to us only in the 10th century, and it was here that it was named Palm Sunday.

On this day, Jesus Christ riding a donkey (donkey in this context, is a symbol of peace, as opposed to horses) entered Jerusalem. He was greeted by a noisy and joyful crowd: people threw palm branches under the feet of the donkey on which the Savior rode (there were no palm trees in our area, so we replaced palm branches with willow, since evergreen spruce branches were associated with funeral rites, and besides willows, not a single tree has yet blossomed its buds), some even spread their clothes in order to honor Christ. After all, rumors about the miracles performed by Jesus quickly reached the walls of Jerusalem, and now people were waiting for new miracles: they hoped that Christ would put an end to the Roman occupation and avenge the children of Israel.

However, their expectations were not justified, and we all remember very well how it all ended. Hence the taste of tragedy in this day.

On the eve of this holiday, the entire Orthodox world goes to church to bless willow branches, which they then bring home, keep all year round, decorate icons with them, hang them in the corners of rooms, and so on, but more on that below.

Forgotten meaning and rite "Willowlash"

But still, one should not forget that in the pre-Christian era, willow already had its own sacred meaning and was already associated with a pagan rite, which has a very telling name - "Willowlash". The church just took and slightly altered something. But back to pagan times.

Let me remind you that for our ancestors it was very important to continue the family: after all, the number of master's hands depended on the number of children in the family (the more, the better), well, and the ranks of valiant warriors were replenished. Consequently, the probability of dying from the intrigues of enemies or hunger decreased. And the willow, just the same, among the Slavs was a symbol of fertility and rapid growth: since this is the very first plant that wakes up after a winter sleep, comes to life, blooms buds. The willow awakens itself full of strength, and can still convey its health and beauty to people and animals.

On this day, the guys lightly whipped the girls with willow branches on their legs - thereby symbolizing fertilization (hence the name is Willowlash).

Many traditions and rituals are associated with Palm Sunday and willow. Of course, some of them have already been lost in time, however, some are still alive. So:

1. We went to collect willow on Lazarus Saturday(on the eve of the holiday) and always before sunrise;
2. And it was necessary to sanctify it on the same day evening (or Sunday morning);
3. Willow branches were decorated with ribbons and paper flowers.(sometimes this was done after consecration in the church);
4. Also, willow branches were placed to the icons and left there either for the whole year, or until Yegoriev's day. In some regions of Russia, a special “teremok” of straw was built for these purposes, which was decorated and hung in front of the icons;
5. After Yegoriev's Day, willow branches were kept in a barn, sticking them under the roof, it was believed that this would help protect livestock from loss. Since it was a sin to throw them away, sometimes willow branches were burned, and sometimes they were thrown into the water;
6. Livestock were given to eat a twig or willow buds. It was believed that this would give health;
7. In some areas of the country, willow buds were baked into bread and fed to animals., our ancestors believed that this would increase the number of livestock;
8. For the same purpose, in some regions, cookies in the form of willow buds were baked.(moreover, they baked according to the number of livestock and poultry, and sometimes household members), then they were holy in the church;

   In the Kostroma province, it (cookies) was called "lambs", in Moscow - "lambs", "grandmothers" or "akatushki", in Ryazan - "nuts", "kytka".

9. Also, on Egoriev's Day, it was customary to hit cattle with a willow branch., and then feed her this twig. Such a rite contributed to the growth of livestock;
10. On the holiday of Ivan Kupala, a tree (and sometimes just branches) willows were used in a festive ritual: the girls decorated it and danced round dances, sang, and then guys ran into the circle of the round dance and tore up the tree. It was believed that such a rite would help increase crops;
11. Let me remind you that willow is a plant that is identified with fertility. Therefore, barren women sometimes ate a willow bud (this was supposed to help them conceive a child);
12. In some provinces of our country there was a rite with an interesting name - "calling of the young." Its meaning was that on the eve of Palm Sunday (at midnight), young people went to the houses of the newlyweds. Standing at the gate, they shouted: “Open, open, young, beat with a willow, give health more than before.” The young woman unlocked the gate, and let this whole cheerful crowd into the house, where the singing continued: "There would be a harvest of bread, multiplication of cattle." With all this, all household members were lightly whipped with willow twigs, saying: “We beat to be healthy” or “Get up early, beat the ram.” The young one was the last to be whipped when she saw off the singers;
13. If willow branches are broken and scattered over the field, and the buds are crushed into grain before sowing, this should increase the yield;
14. For the same, willow branches were stuck in the corners of the fields(and sometimes they just planted a tree in the field). This not only contributed to a good harvest, but also saved crops;
15. Willow treated children: for this it was necessary to go to the river and pick willow branches (it was necessary to go before sunrise, and tear nine branches three times to get three bunches, each of which had nine branches). After coming home, one bundle was placed in hot water and the child was bathed in it (it was necessary to bathe in front of the window from which the sunrise is visible). At noon, the same actions were performed with the second bunch of willow (only the window was chosen in front of which the sun was). Well, and accordingly, the third beam went into motion at sunset: the same actions, but already on the western window, from which the sunset was visible. It was believed that after all these manipulations, the disease receded;
16. Willows were burned and cattle were fumigated with this smoke;
17. The twigs and buds were rubbed and used as lotions from bruises and tumors. Sometimes this powder was sprinkled on the wounds of cattle;
18. Our ancestors attributed willow and protective properties: the Slavs believed that willow could protect from thunderstorms, storms, some other natural disasters (and sometimes even from evil spirits);

The Russians in the Tambov province believed that a willow thrown against the wind could drive away a storm, and thrown into a fire could pacify it. It was widely believed that the willow stored in the red corner would protect the house and the entire household from thunder and lightning. During the hail, Belarusians put a bunch of consecrated willow on the windowsill in order to pacify the elements and avoid hail in the grain fields.

Signs for Palm Sunday

Basically, all the signs of this day are related to the weather, harvest, health and procreation (to one degree or another):

• The wind that blows on such a day will accompany the whole summer;
• If you knock on the body with a willow branch - there will be health for a whole year;
• If the weather is clear and warm, the fruit harvest will be good;
• On Palm frost - spring bread will be good;
• Eat a willow bud - an important matter will be decided;
• On Palm Sunday, think about your loved one, he will come. This is especially interesting, young girls often used this superstition. It was believed that if a guy does not pay attention to you, but really likes you, then you need to think hard about him all day, and in the evening he will come and call you for a walk;
• Plant a houseplant on Palm Sunday - you will be rich;
• Poultry is not allowed outside - the witch will spoil it. This sign stems from the belief that a week before Easter, witches began to zealously harm people. Of course, their strength these days was not great, but still it was necessary to play it safe.

Well, that's probably all. Of course, I have not collected all the signs and customs, there are so many of them that the material needs to be divided into several separate articles (and, frankly, I did not want to do this). Well, I could have simply overlooked something, so you can safely supplement me in the comments.

Until we meet again, friends!

N.B. In writing the article, I relied on several sites:

• sotok.net (huge and informative article);
• www.nexplorer.ru
• svarogday.com;

• mk.ru;
• wikipedia.org;
• Well, I added what I knew myself about this day.

The Christian Church introduced the feast of the Lord's entry into Jerusalem in the 4th century, and in Rus' it appeared in the 10th century and became known as 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 willows, and this was a real ritual. Willow has always been consecrated 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 the year, the leaves on the trees have not yet blossomed. The branches of evergreen conifers have traditionally been used in burial rites, so they cannot be used.
According to signs and beliefs, it was believed that the consecrated willow had healing properties, so they touched people with branches, wishing them health, put the sick at the head, applied 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 kidneys were added to bread and other pastries, and some baked bread in the form of a willow branch. Verb porridge was made from the opening buds. But willow not only heals, it gives physical strength, courage and courage, so many young men made amulets and talismans from willow buds.
It was believed that if you eat a few willow buds before a long journey or some serious business, then only success will await a person on his way and in business. Icons were decorated with branches, they were hung in the corners of rooms, which many do to this day. Also, amulets from willow buds were worn by women who did not have children. According to the legend, it was necessary to eat ten kidneys five days after the end of menstruation, this was supposed to help in the conception of a child. And in order for the offspring to be healthy, a willow twig was placed under the featherbed, and the newlyweds were showered with buds. Our ancestors believed that the willow could give sexual power not only to humans, but also to cattle. That is why domestic animals were whipped with a consecrated willow branch, branches were hung in barns, and before the first pasture in the field, these branches were fed to animals so that they would not be poisoned by poisonous herbs, would not fall prey to diseases, thieves and predatory animals. Not a single day goes by without signs related to the weather. And Palm Sunday is no exception. If it rains on Palm Sunday, expect a good harvest. This sign is based on long-term observations of our ancestors. They noticed that if it rains on a given day, then the harvest will be just wonderful. If, on the contrary, the weather is dry, then the harvest can not be expected. And, if there are clouds in the sky, it is cloudy, but there is no rain, then the harvest will be quite good, but not as desirable. It was also believed that the willow could protect the house from the elements. A house in which there is a consecrated willow branch will not be struck by lightning. If, during a fire, a willow is thrown into the fire, it will go out faster, and the flame will not go to another building. And the branches thrown into the water during the ice drift will help to avoid large floods. If by the next Palm Sunday holiday there were unused branches in the house, then they should never be thrown away. They must be burned and thrown into a stream or river, and the water should not be stagnant. Choosing new branches, preference was given to young trees growing near rivers. It was forbidden to take branches from trees growing near the cemetery, as well as on which there are nests and hollows.
Many people, believing and not very, today, on the eve of Palm Sunday, decorate their house with willow branches, because this plant gives joy and awakens spring in the heart.

Signs for Palm Sunday

Beliefs on Palm Sunday