Palm Sunday is one of the Christian holidays that symbolizes the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem. According to the Bible, the inhabitants of Jerusalem greeted Christ by holding palm branches and olive branches in their hands. They covered the path along which the savior walked. Therefore, until now, Christians living in hot countries celebrate the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem, decorating their homes with palm and olive branches. However, since Russia has a completely different climate and vegetation, the inhabitants of the country have been using willow branches for this purpose for hundreds of years.
Instructions
Step 1
Why were the willow branches chosen? The fact is that it is on these days that their buds burst, bloom in delicate fluffy lumps. Palm branches in this form, as it were, symbolize the imminent arrival of spring. Although snow still lies in most of Russia at this time, the annoying long winter does not seem to be going to recede, but since the buds of the tree have burst, it means that spring is on the doorstep, life goes on as usual. In addition, the fluffed branches of the pussy willow are simply very beautiful.
Step 2
What is the main meaning of this holiday? The Savior entered Jerusalem to fulfill his high mission, which ultimately led him to cross torment and death for the entire human race. Therefore, on Palm Sunday, Christians should once again turn their thoughts to the Lord with humility and gratitude, sincerely repent of their sins, ask Him to grant patience in the last, most severe week of Great Lent - Passion.
Step 3
Yes, Palm Sunday is celebrated towards the end of Lent, as if reminding us that the bright holiday of Easter is coming soon. Immediately after it will come that same Holy Week, when fasting should be especially strict. And on Palm Sunday, fasting Christians are allowed some indulgence, for example, you can eat fish and wine.
Step 4
In the old days, many signs and customs were associated with willow branches. For example, having returned to their church with consecrated branches, the owner lightly hit all his relatives with them - it was believed that this would save them from illness, the evil eye and other troubles. Livestock was often subjected to the same procedure. For a long time, there was a tenacious omen that if a woman suffering from infertility eats several "earrings" from a consecrated willow twig, then she will soon become pregnant.
