Palm Sunday: the history of the holiday, traditions, signs

If you saw people on the street with branches of willows in their hands, then soon come a holiday, which is called Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday is unusually interesting and shrouded in legends. In this article, we will reveal the veil of secrecy and tell you where this day came from and the traditions associated with it.

Steps into the past

So, Palm Sunday ... The history of the holiday has two versions of its birth. One of them is Christian. It says that it was on this day that Jesus Christ, riding on a donkey, first entered the city of Jerusalem. How it all began?

... In the year 30 of our era, the distant and near neighborhood of the city of Jerusalem stirred up the rumor of a certain wanderer doing miracles such as healing incurable sick and even resurrecting the dead!

It was said that the blind people begin to see again, and the lepers recover the healthy skin again. And the most talked about incredible event is the resurrection of a certain Lazarus, who died four days ago, but came out of the crypt alive and unharmed. Of course, all these miracles were performed by Jesus, nicknamed in the people by the Savior and the Messiah.

The Son of God in the shortest time there is a huge number of followers and disciples who bear a good word about their Teacher. Simple people see in Jesus their bright future, and most importantly - freedom from the enslavers, the Romans.

However, the power of Jerusalem, for obvious reasons, did not share the anticipation of happiness and joyful expectations - and no wonder. The appearance of the Messiah would shake, or even completely destroy, the order convenient for them.

Riding the donkey

And then came the day that the rulers of Jerusalem were so afraid - Jesus decided to visit the capital of Judea. In this case, the Savior, who usually walked on foot, suddenly asked his followers to bring him from the nearest settlement a young donkey, on which no one sat. When Jesus' request was fulfilled, the donkey was bedded by his clothes, replacing them with a saddle, and the Savior went to the main gate of Jerusalem.

For those times and traditions, the entrance to the donkey through the gates of the city spoke of peace and the exceptionally good intentions of the arriving person, while the guest who arrived on horseback symbolized the beginning of the war. That's why the Son of God chose the donkey - so he wanted to show that he came in peace and without malice.

It was a triumphal entry! The jubilant people, without concealing joy, carved the way of Spastel with palm leaves and their clothes, thus showing their boundless love and highest respect for the Son of God. Behind the 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 connected not only with religion, but also (indirectly) with the geographical position and climate of Israel, because of what it is also called Palm Sunday) means the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, for God himself was in his Son in the city, Father. The festival 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, more kind and harmonious.

Alas, after only four days all the same rejoicing people will frenziedly demand from Pontius Pilate to severely crucify the one whom they themselves called the Messiah and Savior of the human race.

Palm trees and willows

Most likely, the reader will have a question: if the way of the Son of God was covered with palm leaves, why is this holiday in Russia 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 not suitable for the sweet Russian pussy willow. Therefore, the Orthodox Church decided to change the plant, which symbolizes Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday, the Orthodox version of which is relevant in our days, suggests instead of palm leaves to use willow branches from another, pagan rite, which existed in Russia in pre-Christian times.

Pagan Feast

As already mentioned, the Palm Sunday story has two versions of the occurrence. The second of these dates back to the time of paganism. And more precisely - it originates in the ancient Slavic festival called Verbochlest. What is the relationship between the Palm Sunday, the holiday history , paganism?

The matter is that Verbochlest is a holiday of fertilization. In paganism, a close relationship between a man and a woman was not considered a sin, but on the contrary - was perceived as a manifestation of the Divine act, as a result of which children appeared. From the children grew strong warriors, hardworking plowmen, future mothers and guardians of the hearth, doctors and teachers. In short, the more children there were, the more people had chances for a happy life.

Cheerful custom

In the holiday Verboblest there was an interesting custom - the youngsters lashed the girls' legs with willow branches, and those in turn laughed giggly and deliberately squealed. This rite symbolized the act of fertilization. The same thing was done with cattle - because the more livestock, the more satisfying the life.

Why just verba, and not a plum or, for example, an apple tree? The matter is that for our ancestors the willow was a symbol of rapid growth, mighty power, will to live and, of course, fertility. And no wonder - it is the willow that throws out the buds and blossoms first among all plants.

When Christianity appeared in Russia, pagan idols were rejected and eventually forgotten. And yet the history of the holiday Palm Sunday is inevitably returning us to those far times.

The fact that it was Verbochlesta that began the history of the holiday Palm Sunday, indicates that in other countries, for example, in Slovakia, where the traditions of ancestors are honored, this custom is still alive. There and in our days, guys without any religious background, gambling young ladies with willow branches and even pelting them with water!

Holiday without date

When exactly is Palm Sunday celebrated? The history of the holiday is directly connected with the holiday of Easter, and is celebrated a week before its offensive, immediately after the Passion Week. Since Easter also comes every time on a different day, Palm Sunday also falls on different dates.

The Power of Pussy Willows

On Saturday before Palm Sunday in all Orthodox churches, the All-Night Vigil is held, during which the priests sprinkle them with holy water, consecrating the willow and giving it magical properties.

For example, it protects the house from thunder and fires, all its inhabitants - from evil spirits, and the kidneys of willows cure many diseases. That is why the willow brought from the church is placed at the head of the bed, on which lies the enraged man, as well as the shoots are lightly lashed by the children, so that they grow up healthy and strong. In addition, in the decoction of oozvyaschennyh willow branches, it is accepted to bathe in small pieces, so that they are healthy. It is also believed that the buds of willows help to defeat infertility, so many desperate women who dream of a child, eat them and pray to the Blessed Virgin.

The pheasant diet

All Orthodox before Easter strictly observes the Great Lent. Especially severe in this regard are the days of Holy Week, when truly believers severely restrict themselves in food. Nevertheless, on Palm Sunday, everyone can indulge in indulgence and pamper your body with fish, drinking it with wine.

And a long time ago in Russia for the celebration of Palm Sunday baked buckwheat pancakes, brewed a bunch and cooked fish pies. In addition, there was an interesting custom of baking bread loaves - as many pieces as a person in the family. In one of the loaves a coin was hidden, and the one who received this treat with a surprise was literally doomed to happiness, health and luck for 12 months.

Fairy tales for children

Try to tell the children about Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday for children, of course, should be adapted to their perception and accessible to the understanding of the little Orthodox. Show the children beautiful verb twigs, let them touch, sniff, hold in their hands. Tell us that the willow blossoms the very first of all trees and brings the world into the world. After this, you can tell the children about Palm Sunday. The history of the holiday (photos, drawings and pictures is also desirable to use) by small listeners will be perceived as a fairy tale. You can even play skits. Do not forget to mention why we have a willow instead of palm leaves, incidentally telling about the climate of Palestine.