Palm Sunday

is always celebrated a week before a great and bright holiday - Easter or Resurrection of the Lord.

In 2023, it falls on April 16, so believers will celebrate the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem

on April 9

.

On this day, Great Lent still continues, but it is somewhat weakened, so you can eat fish and seafood, vegetable oil, and hot dishes.

Believers can also afford one glass of wine.

Palm Sunday: the origin of the holiday

The events associated with the Feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday) were described in the Holy Scriptures.

It was on this day that Jesus Christ resurrected Lazarus in Bethany, who had died a few days before.

This unique case became known thanks to eyewitnesses who immediately spread the news about the miracle to all corners of the country.

Therefore, when Jesus Christ visited Jerusalem, people already knew about him, warmly welcomed the Savior, sang songs to him, threw palm branches and flowers at his feet.

This day is so remembered that it is celebrated to this day.

Why is Palm Sunday so called

?

When Jesus Christ was met in Jerusalem, palm branches were thrown at his feet, but they do not grow on the territory of our country.

When they baptized Kyivan Rus and brought Orthodox holidays here, they decided to replace the palm branch with a willow tree, which was closer to our ancestors.

It is thanks to the willow that the holiday got its name "Palm Sunday", although officially it is called the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.

What does the willow symbolize on Palm Sunday and other customs

What does the willow symbolize on Palm Sunday?

/ Photo: Pexels

People have long believed in the healing power of willow, so our ancestors often planted it near a well or a house so that it would purify water and protect it from evil spirits.

When a willow branch was consecrated in the church, it was waved in the direction of the clouds to clear the sky and ward off bad weather.

Also, after consecration, twigs were carried not only home, but also to chicken coops, beehives, and barns.

They believed that it was possible to protect domestic animals from diseases.

After the holiday, they tried not to throw away the willow.

It was kept until the following year.

The twigs were also used to paint the oven, where paska was baked for Easter.

In general, our ancestors liked to leave the consecrated willow in the corners of the house until it dried.

They believed that they have healing power.

Therefore, they lightly beat themselves and their relatives with them, saying: "It's not me who beats, the willow beats, in the week of Easter, for health, for beauty, for protection."

And small children were bathed in willow decoction to keep them healthy.

Festive bread was also baked for the holiday.

Willow cones were necessarily placed in small loaves, and then these products were fed to livestock to keep them healthy.

According to tradition, willow twigs, which are consecrated in the church on Palm Sunday, were collected the day before, on Lazarus Saturday.

Be sure to go at dawn and choose a young tree without damage.

Folk signs

  • if there are frosts on this day, then there will be a good fruit harvest;

  • no wind and a sunny day for a warm summer;

  • strong winds mean that the weather will change frequently all summer;

  • if you eat a piece of consecrated willow, you will be successful in any business;

  • it will rain on Palm Sunday, wait for a fruitful year;

  • frost means that the spring crops will bear good fruit.

What not to do on Palm Sunday

The Church forbids working and doing household chores on Palm Sunday.

Girls are also not allowed to do needlework.

You don't even have to comb your hair one more time or perform other daily tasks.

Therefore, it is better to prepare food on Saturday evening.

In ancient times, this ban also applied to baking holiday bread.

According to our ancestors, even the smallest work can cause trouble.

Lent is still in progress, so you can't eat animal products.

Strong prayer for Palm Sunday

Strong prayer on Palm Sunday for the protection of children / Photo: Pexels

On Palm Sunday, it is customary to read a prayer for the protection of children:

Almighty God, I entrust my children to Your mighty care and protection!

Protect them, Lord, from everything that can harm their health or put them in danger of death.

But, above all, I beg You, best Father, to protect them from the dangers that threaten their souls.

Turn away, O God, with your almighty hand from my children all that can have an evil influence on their innocent heart, or become an occasion for them to do evil.

Protect, God, my children from sin!

I beg you, send your holy angels to guard them on the road of life.

Almighty God and Father, lead my children happily through all earthly dangers and storms and let them reach the haven of salvation happily.

Amen.

Read also:

  • Palm Sunday, Easter, Trinity: when Ukrainians will celebrate the major transitional holidays in 2023

  • When is Easter 2023: history and traditions, folk omens and strong prayer

  • Trinity of 2023: when we celebrate Green holidays, traditions and strong prayer