If you saw people on the street with willow branches in their hands, it means that a holiday will come soon, which is called Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday is unusually interesting and shrouded in tradition. In this article, we will unveil the veil of secrecy and tell you where this day came from and its traditions.
Steps to 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, riding a donkey, first drove into the city of Jerusalem. How it all began?
... In the year 30 AD, the distant and near surroundings of the city of Jerusalem was agitated by the rumor of a certain wanderer who performed miracles such as the healing of the terminally ill and even the resurrection of the dead!
They said that blind people again begin to see, and lepers regain healthy skin. And the most discussed incredible event is the resurrection of a certain Lazarus, who died four days ago, but left the crypt alive and unharmed. Of course, all these miracles were performed by Jesus, nicknamed among the people the Savior and the Messiah.
The Son of God in the shortest possible time has a huge number of followers and disciples who carry good rumors about their Teacher. Ordinary people see in Jesus their bright future, and most importantly - freedom from 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 were so afraid of - Jesus decided to visit the capital of Judea. At the same time, the Savior, who usually walked on foot, suddenly asked his followers to bring him from the nearest settlement a young donkey, on which not a single person sat. When Jesus' request was fulfilled, his robes were laid on a donkey, replacing them with a saddle, and the Savior went to the main gate of Jerusalem.
In those times and traditions, riding a donkey through the gates of the city spoke of peace and the exceptionally good intentions of the newcomer, while a guest who arrived on a horse symbolized the beginning of the war. That is why the Son of God chose a donkey - so he wanted to show that he came in peace and without malice.
It was a triumphal entry! Jubilant people, not hiding their joy, covered Spastel's path with palm leaves and their clothes, thus showing their boundless love and highest respect for the Son of God. Behind a donkey carrying the Messiah on its back, children, girls and women, waving palm branches, fled, symbolizing the highest honors. Therefore Palm Sunday (the history of the holiday is associated not only with religion, but also (indirectly) with the geographical location and climate of Israel, which is why it is also called Palm Sunday) means the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem, because God himself visited the city in His Son - Father. The holiday itself is a symbol of the fact that the Israeli people believed in Jesus and recognized him as the Messiah, the Savior, whose calling is to make the world better, kinder, and more harmonious.
Alas, after only four days, the same jubilant people will frantically demand from Pontius Pilate to cruelly crucify 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 in Russia this holiday is called Palm Sunday? The history of the holiday says that this is due to the fact that palm trees never grew in Russia, while the Palestinian climate is unsuitable for the willow dear to Russian people. Therefore, the Orthodox Church decided to change the plant symbolizing Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday, the Orthodox version of which is relevant in our days, involves instead of palm leaves using willow twigs from another, pagan rite that existed in Russia in pre-Christian times.
Pagan holiday
As already mentioned, the history of Palm Sunday has two versions of occurrence. The second of them goes back to pagan times. And more precisely - it originates in the ancient Slavic holiday called Verbohlest. What are Palm Sunday, holiday history , paganism connected with ?
The fact is that Verbohlest is a feast of fertilization. In paganism, close relations 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 appeared. From children grew strong warriors, hardworking plowmen, future mothers and guardians of the hearth, healers and teachers. In a word, the more children there were, the more people had chances for a prosperous life.
Fun custom
There was an interesting custom in the Verbohlest celebration - young men lashed at the girls' legs with willow twigs, and those, in turn, laughed briskly and squealed on purpose. This rite symbolized the act of fertilization. The same thing was done with cattle - because the larger the number of livestock, the more satisfying life will be.
Why willow, and not plum or, for example, an apple tree? The fact is that for our ancestors, willow was a symbol of rapid growth, powerful power, the will to live, and, of course, fertility. And no wonder - it is the willow that throws out the buds and blooms first among all the plants.
When Christianity appeared in Russia, pagan idols were rejected and eventually forgotten. Nevertheless, the history of Palm Sunday involuntarily brings us back to those distant times.
The fact that the history of Palm Sunday began with Verbohlest begins 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, and nowadays, guys without any religious background are recklessly quitting young ladies with pussy-willow twigs and even dousing them with water!
Holiday without date
When exactly is Palm Sunday celebrated? The history of the holiday is directly related to the holiday of Easter, and is celebrated a week before its onset, immediately after Holy Week. Since Easter also occurs every time on a different day, Palm Sunday falls on different dates.
Willow power
On Saturday before Palm Sunday, an all-night vigil is held in all Orthodox churches, during which priests sprinkle them with holy water, blessing the willow and giving it magical properties.
For example, it protects the house from thunderstorms and fires, all its inhabitants - from evil spirits, and the willow kidneys cure many diseases. That is why the willow brought from the church is put at the head of the bed on which the stray person lies, and they also slightly shoot down the shoots so that they grow up healthy and strong. In addition, in the decoction of the sanctified willow branches it is customary to bathe the little one so that they are healthy. It is also believed that willow buds help to defeat infertility, so many desperate women who dream of a child eat them and pray to the Most Holy Theotokos.
Palm Diet
All Orthodox before Easter strictly abide by Lent. Especially severe in this regard are the days of Holy Week, when true believers severely limit themselves in food. Nevertheless, on Palm Sunday, everyone can arrange an indulgence and pamper their body with fish, washed down with wine.
And a long time ago in Russia, for the celebration of Palm Sunday, buckwheat pancakes were baked, cooked mash and cooked fish pies. In addition, there was an interesting custom to bake holiday bread - as many as there are people in the family. A coin was hidden in one of the bread rolls, and the one who got this treat with a surprise was literally doomed to happiness, health and good luck for 12 months.
Fairy tales for children
Try to tell your kids 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. Show the kid beautiful willow twigs, let them touch, smell, hold in their hands. Tell us that willow blossoms the very first of all trees and brings spring to the world. After that, you can tell the guys about Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday (photos, drawings and pictures is also desirable to use) by young listeners will be perceived as a fairy tale. You can even play skits. Do not forget to mention why we have willow instead of palm leaves, passing along and talking about the climate of Palestine.