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- Palm Sunday symbol: when to sanctify the willow in 2025, what to do with the new and last year's
Palm Sunday symbol: when to sanctify the willow in 2025, what to do with the new and last year's
Palm Sunday is one of the most significant Christian holidays, preceding Holy Week and Easter. On this day, believers remember the solemn entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, who was joyfully greeted by his followers, throwing palm branches at his feet. In Russia, the willow tree, which is usually consecrated in the temple, is considered the main symbol of this day. Izvestia tells us more about when and how to properly sanctify willow in 2025 and why this ceremony is held.
When will the willow tree be consecrated in the church in 2025
In 2025, Palm Sunday falls on April 13, one week before Easter, which will be celebrated on April 20. The consecration of willow trees in churches begins the day before, on Saturday evening, during the all-night vigil, and continues in the morning before the Divine Liturgy. Believers bring willow branches to the church and receive a blessing from the clergy.
The ceremony is performed after reading the Gospel and the great litany: the priest sprinkles the willow with holy water and says a prayer, invoking God's grace on the branches brought and on those who hold them. After that, the liturgy begins, in which special troparia of the feast are sung, including "Salvation has come to the world, Christ is coming in glory...".
Palm Sunday in 2025: why sanctify willow
Officially, the holiday is called the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. The event of the celebration is described in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19). On this day, believers remember the solemn arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, where he was greeted with all honors, throwing clothes and palm branches on the road.
In Russia, palm trees were replaced by willow, the first plant to revive after winter. The consecrated branches become a sign of spiritual renewal, the victory of life over death, and a reminder of the coming Resurrection of Christ. Its consecration is not just a ritual, but a spiritual action through which a believer joins the historical event and asks God for protection, health, peace in the house and strength for the last week of Great Lent. The entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is one of the twelve feasts and is an important milestone on the spiritual path of a Christian.
What does the willow tree symbolize in Russia?
Willow is a symbol of rebirth, fertility and purity. In folk tradition, it is associated with the spring awakening of nature, vitality and healing. The consecrated willow is considered a talisman: children are baptized with it, they touch sore spots, they put them on window sills to protect the house from evil. The church consecration of the willow is a symbol of readiness to meet Christ, consent to follow him, despite the prepared suffering.
What to do with the consecrated willow
After consecration, the branches are carefully placed in the red corner of the house next to the icons or placed in a vase with clean water in a prominent place. It is also customary to distribute recruitment to relatives and friends. Throughout the year, it reminds of the holiday, serves as a sign of blessing at home and spiritual solace.
With a consecrated willow tree, they lightly touch family members with words of good wishes. It is also placed in the cradles of infants and under the pillows of the sick, and the dried twigs are used in prayer when asked for healing or protection.
Where to put and how to properly store willow
After the consecration, the willow should be placed in a vase or tied to icons. When the branch withers, it is not thrown away, but carefully stored behind icons or on the windowsill. You can not keep willow in carelessness, next to household items or garbage — it must be treated with respect.
She must stay in the house throughout the year until next Palm Sunday. It serves as a reminder of the Lord's way and is a symbol of the constant presence of God's grace in the home.
What to say when you hit with a willow
The folk tradition of lightly tapping willow is accompanied by cheerful but meaningful sentences. The most famous: "I'm not hitting, the willow is hitting, it's a great day in a week!"
This rite is considered an ancient form of blessing, accompanied by a wish for health and purification from diseases and laziness. Our ancestors also said: "Be healthy as a willow, live as long as the earth!" or "Willow lash — yes, there is health!". You can only whip your loved ones with willow with love and in a good mood, without ridicule and rudeness.
What to do with last year's willow
Last year's consecrated branches cannot be simply thrown away — this is considered disrespectful to the shrine. They are usually burned, and the ashes are buried in a place where people do not walk, for example, under a tree in the garden. Before this, it is recommended to read a prayer and thank the twigs for their protection. Last year's willow can also be taken to the temple, where it will be burned according to church rules.
What to say when you burn a willow tree
Burning an old willow tree, the faithful say a prayer of farewell:
"Lord, thank You for the mercies of the past year. Accept this willow as a testimony of our faith, and grant our house peace, health, and blessings."
It is also customary to recite Psalm 90 or short prayers of repentance. You can say a prayer for forgiveness and blessing.: "Lord, forgive us and bless us. May the burning of this willow be a symbol of the purification and renewal of our soul. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen to that."
This is a moment of spiritual silence when a person says goodbye to the past stage and prepares for Easter renewed.
Is it possible to consecrate a willow yourself at home
According to church canons, full consecration is performed only in the temple, during divine services and with the participation of a priest. However, if a believer cannot attend the service for a valid reason — for example, due to illness or caring for loved ones - he can, with the prayer "Bless, Lord, this plant to Your glory, and grant us health, peace and salvation", sprinkle the branches with holy water, after reading the troparion of the feast and asking God for blessings..
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