Ukrainian traditions and signs on Palm Sunday

Traditions of celebration

On Sunday Sunday, Ukrainians are traditionally presented in the church of the willow. When leaving the church, people easily hit each other with a vine, saying, "I do not beat, the vine beats, there will be Easter in a week." In particular, in the Carpathians, they believe that, by touching their closely consecrated willow branches, they drive away from them all the troubles that can encounter them during the next year.

Consumed branches are usually stored at home near the icons for a year as a symbol of protection against all disasters and in no case is thrown into the trash. Last year's willow can be burned in a clean place or buried in the ground.

The people also had a tradition of planting a branch of a consecrated willow from a church on a field or garden. If the willow was accepted - it was believed that it was possible to expect a heavy harvest. If there is a young girl in the house - a sprouted willow predicted her marriage.

The sacred willow was attributed to magical properties. She was killed for the first time for the first time, "so that the poor did not cling to the animals."

With a dedication willow, the owner went around his land to drive away the unclean power. It was believed that smoke cleanses the home from its burning.

Willow was also of great importance in folk medicine. There is a belief that after the priest will sanctify the branch with holy water, it is necessary to swallow a few "seals" from the branch, "so that the throat does not hurt." In some places, they used a decoction of willow, believing that it helps with colds.

Prohibitions and restrictions on Palm Sunday

On the ward week, believers are preparing for Easter, so they should devote time to prayer and spiritual purification. And so during this period it is forbidden to quarrel, have fun, arrange loud parties. If you are asked for help on this day, you can not refuse, because the holiday teaches compassion and love for your neighbor. Also, Christians are not advised to overeat, however, the big fast is not over.

However, according to the church charter, some weakening of fasting is allowed on Lazarev Saturday (the day before Palm Sunday). On this day and on Palm Sunday, you can eat fish, caviar, vegetable oil and afford a little wine. However, strong alcohol remains banned.

There is no direct ban on working in the home or in the garden these days, but it is also recommended to refrain from it.

What should I do on Palm Sunday

The main ritual of the holiday is associated with the branches of the willow. They are advised to cut from healthy trees (in no case to break or take from the trees in the cemetery, near the reservoirs or landfills) in a few days and put in the water so that the "seals" have time to dissolve.

On Sunday, willow is saved in temples. This is an important part of the tradition, so you should visit the service.

After the consecration of the willow branch, it is better to bring to the house and put it near the images, it brings the blessing of the house.

It is best to spend this day in a narrow circle of relatives and loved ones, to exchange good wishes.

Folk signs on Palm Sunday

• The sun and the lack of wind on Palm Sunday mean the arrival of the warm summer;

• If a strong wind blows on this day, then all summer the weather will be variable;

• if on Palm Sunday the frost can safely wait for a abundant harvest of spring crops;

• The cloudy weather on this day promises generous harvests in the summer;

• If it rains on Palm Sunday, then the whole harvest will be good;
• If you plant a plant on this day, it will give the owners a wealth;
• If the consecrated willow is easy to depart cattle, the animals will not get sick all year;
• Burned in the furnace, a willow branch protects the house from a fire;
• The consecrated branch of the willow, attached to the roof, will retain the health of the family and give peace.