Among many church holidays there is one, though not the most important, but especially revered - the Lord's Entrance to Jerusalem. Among the Slavic peoples, it was called Palm Sunday.
After a long winter and six weeks of fasting, a bright holiday comes. It has been celebrated for eleven centuries. Awakening of nature after cold weather usually falls on Palm Sunday. The signs of this day meant a lot to believers.
To understand the meaning of celebration, it is better to turn to the sources.
How did it all start?
The event that began the celebration of Palm Sunday is described by all evangelists. Jesus returned from Bethany after the resurrection of Lazarus. Suddenly, he decided to call in Jerusalem. At the gates of the city, residents greeted him enthusiastically. Jesus riding a young donkey was glorified with hymns, throwing clothes, flowers and palm branches under his feet.
Everything that happened did not like the local priests. The veneration of the new faith threatened the old foundations. It was necessary to take some measures, and immediately.
In deciding to give the Messiah for trial to the Roman procurator, they realized that they were condemning Jesus to death. A speedy sentence and execution were not long in coming. From the day of entering the city, Jesus has five days of earthly life left.
The celebration does not have an exact date, but determining which date is Palm Sunday is easy. It is always the last Sunday before Easter.
The holiday acquired church status in the 4th century. He came to the territory of Kievan Rus only in the 20th century and it was then that he began to be called Palm Sunday. More severe climate did not allow the use of palm branches, and willow for the Slavs has always been a difficult plant.
Currently, three branches of Christianity celebrate the holiday - Orthodox, Protestants and Catholics. Palm Sunday unites them. The signs preceding this day are very similar in interpretation.
Palm Week
The sixth week of the Easter (Great) fast is called Palm. Each day has a certain meaning and is expressed in the special jurisdiction of church services. These days, preparations are underway for the main festival, which will take place on Sunday.
Monday morning begins with mother-in-law visiting their sons-in-law. It is believed that presenting a gift on the first day of Palm Week brings peace and tranquility to the family, the husband will not offend his wife.
The main culprit of these days is willow. They are watching her, collecting her. With a particularly cold spring, they bring it into the house in advance so that the buds on the branches sprout. From it weave braids, wreaths, make family charms.
As Palm Sunday draws nearer, omens 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 that is celebrated on Saturday of Palm Day is the Resurrection of Lazarus.
Jesus was informed that his friend and companion, Lazarus from Bethany, was seriously ill and asked to hurry. It was not clear why Christ was in no hurry. And only after the news that Lazarus died, he set off.
When he arrived at Bethany, four days had already passed since the day of his death. 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 a request to perform a miracle. After prayer, the stone blocking the entrance was moved away, and those present saw the miracle of resurrection. Lazar, who died in Bose 4 days ago, turned out to be alive.
Christians have been celebrating Lazarus Saturday since the 4th century. After three and a half centuries, a certain canon of worship was developed on this day. The chants during the service do not indicate an accidental miracle, but an important symbol of strengthening faith.
After sunset, during evening service, willow branches begin to be blessed. This is the beginning of Palm Sunday celebration.
Palm Sunday holiday
As already mentioned above, Palm Sunday according to church canons begins on Saturday evening. But the main services and consecration of the willow are held on Sunday.
Among other things, in Russia 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 on the light. It is they who give faith in the soon warm days.
Orthodox Christians happily greet Palm Sunday. How is this day celebrated in Russia? People of all ages go on Sunday morning to the nearest church to consecrate willow branches. Church parishioners stand the service, praying and participating in chants. Upon returning home, it is customary to slightly unfasten domestic willows with wishes of health and grace.
The consecrated branches are placed next to the icons, plaited into braids, made amulets from them, 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 entrance of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem is celebrated.
What not to do
Palm Sunday is a significant holiday for Christians. Any work on this day is undesirable. Some do not even recommend cooking. In the modern world, everything is much simpler. There are such services and professions that involve the daily completion of work, regardless of calendar dates. But if there is no particular need for any business, then it is better, of course, to postpone it.
In ancient times, women were forbidden to comb their hair that day, as well as on the Annunciation. It is clear that this is hardly possible now. Although the owners of long curls can comply with the ban. Hair braided into a braid, covered with a headscarf on top, can well do without combing for a day.
What other prohibitions exist on Palm Sunday? What is completely unacceptable to do is indulge in gluttony. The end of the sixth week of fasting does not imply a plentiful feast. A little wine, lean dishes cooked with vegetable oil, fish - this is the basis of the festive table.
The use of artificial willow branches is strictly prohibited. They are not brought to church or sprinkled with holy water.
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 people in the family. For some peoples, family charms 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, gloom and disease.
On Palm Sunday, the signs for the weather and the harvest are especially reliable. Generations support them in families. This is especially important for residents engaged in agriculture.
The tradition of laying coins in the bread rolls comes from Belarus. Thus, you can determine who will be accompanied by luck and prosperity all year.
In some areas, it is customary to invest consecrated branches in the coffin to the deceased. This tradition is rooted in the very beginning of Christianity. It is believed that thanks to the willow you can enter the gates of paradise and welcome the Savior there. Among other things, the willow tree is a symbol of life and awakening.
Palm Sunday holds many beautiful and interesting traditions. How to celebrate it in other regions and countries is easy to learn. Older people are just a storehouse of information. They will be happy to share it.
Traditional willow bazaars. Children especially love this entertainment, as sweets are the main product. In addition, pleasant trifles are offered for the household and the same willow, collected in bouquets and decorated with ribbons and paper angels.
A tree grown from a consecrated branch increases wealth in the house. Therefore, the bouquets brought from the church are put into the water and carefully monitored to see if the roots appear.
Rites 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 twig to the water. If she floats away from you, then in the near future an increase in wealth in the house is expected.
The branches attached to the roof will protect the inhabitants of the house from illness and mental anguish.
If you burn a bouquet of consecrated willow and save the ashes, this will protect the house from lightning and fire.
Whipping children with branches on a holiday is the most common rite. With each strike, protection against the evil eye and the wish of health are revealed.
And here is another custom to increase prosperity. With a complete ban on doing anything on this day, it is still recommended to plant an indoor plant with thick round leaves. If the flower accepts and grows rapidly, you can be sure that wealth will come to the house.
Palm Sunday rites are traditions dating back centuries. Believe them whether to comply - everyone decides for himself. For some, this is the principle of life, and for others, it’s just a beautiful supplement to the day off.
The use of consecrated willow in folk medicine
It has long been believed that willow has a tremendous healing power. Sprinkling with holy water multiplies it several times. How can I use twigs brought from church on Palm Sunday? What to do with them to improve health? Here are some examples of medicinal uses of willow:
- Taking a decoction from the branches, you can get rid of headache, fever, temperature, insomnia.
- Rubbing the decoction into the sore spots eliminates rheumatic pains.
- Infusion of willow on vodka will help to cope with intestinal infections and disorders.
- Leaves are able to heal wounds.
- Swallowing consecrated, blooming kidneys helps with infertility.
- Babies sleep calmer after swimming in water infused with willow branches.
Willow in traditional medicine is used everywhere where it grows, and enjoys well-deserved respect.
Omens
Folk signs on Palm Sunday have long come into use. They are transmitted from senior to younger and become part of our lives.
Calm sunny weather promises a warm, calm summer and a rich harvest. Strong winds promised cool weather.
A cold but clear day gave hope for spring crops.
Palm Sunday without frost increases the chance of plenty 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 a loved one, and the meeting will certainly take place.
Every year, for many centuries in a row, the church has opened its doors to everyone who believes in salvation. Palm Sunday is a holiday symbolizing the power of faith, its rebirth. Branches and bouquets of willow bring peace and protection to the house. Following the first rays of the sun, hope for the best arises in the hearts. And though this day is fraught with a lot of sadness, all the same, it is a harbinger of the Holy Christ Sunday and the salvation of all mankind.