April 13 is Palm Sunday, the most important holiday.: what is strictly forbidden to do

A week before Easter, Orthodox Christians will celebrate Palm Sunday, one of the most important holidays in the Orthodox calendar. In 2025, it falls on April 13th. The celebration is dedicated to the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. ​What is its history and what is strictly forbidden to do on this day, read in the Izvestia article.

Palm Sunday among the Orthodox: traditions of the church holiday on April 13

The church name of Palm Sunday is the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. Every year, the holiday falls on different dates, it traditionally precedes the beginning of Holy Week, falling on the sixth Sunday of Great Lent.

The event that marked the beginning of this holiday is described in detail in the Gospels. According to the biblical legend, Christ entered the city, sitting not on a horse, which is associated with power and war, but on a young donkey, a symbol of peace and repentance. He was greeted by a cheering crowd. The villagers strewed the road in front of him with clothes and palm branches, loudly exclaiming: "Hosanna!", which means "Save us!". This was how they expressed their reverence and admiration for the miracle that Jesus had performed shortly before, the resurrection of Lazarus.

One of the oldest names of the holiday is "vaya week", which comes from the Greek word "vaya", meaning palm tree. Historical evidence of the consecration of palm branches dates back to the fourth century, they are mentioned in the writings of Saints Ambrose of Milan and Epiphanius of Cyprus.

Gradually, the celebration spread to other lands, and after the baptism of Russia in the 10th century, it became an integral part of the spiritual culture of our country. Originally it was also called "Vaya Week". Over time, taking into account the climatic features, the palm branches were replaced by willow branches, one of the first plants to awaken in spring.

Palm Sunday among the Orthodox: the biblical description of the holiday, the spiritual meaning

This year's day is celebrated on April 13th.

That is why, in the East Slavic tradition, the willow has become a symbol of spiritual renewal, resurrection and the triumph of life over death. Hence the popular name of the holiday — Palm Sunday.

In Orthodox churches, on the eve of the holiday, at the All-Night Vigil, after reading the Gospel, the consecration of the willow tree traditionally takes place. Usually, young, strong branches are cut for this purpose. In the morning, believers come to worship, holding a willow and a candle in their hands — this is how they symbolically greet the Savior entering the city. Those who cannot visit the temple for any reason are allowed to consecrate the branches with holy water at home.

After the service, it is customary to bring the consecrated willow tree home and keep it for a year — behind the icon, in a red corner or in a prominent place. It is believed that it protects the dwelling from troubles, fire and evil forces, and also brings good luck.

One of the folk customs of the holiday is a light "patting" with palm branches of relatives and friends with the words: "I'm not hitting — the willow is hitting! Be healthy as water and rich as the earth." This symbolic action is perceived as a wish for health and well-being.

It was customary for the ancestors to plant last year's consecrated willow in the field so that it would protect the future harvest. It was believed that the plant has healing powers. Palm earrings were given to patients and women suffering from infertility.

Willow was used as a talisman: several twigs were placed in an outbuilding or laid in seed for a successful harvest. It was also customary to sprinkle livestock with a palm brush soaked in holy water.

It is customary to spend a festive day in a family circle. Despite the ongoing Great Lent, a slight relaxation in the diet is allowed: fish dishes and a little wine can be served on the table.

Palm Sunday - 2025: what not to do

Palm Sunday is surrounded by prohibitions and restrictions rooted in both church tradition and popular beliefs.

According to church canons, the holiday preceding the beginning of Holy Week requires a special inner attitude. On this day, it is recommended to give up worldly fuss, hard physical labor, and household chores, including cleaning, laundry, repairs, and the like. It is believed that such behavior contradicts the spirit of triumph, permeated with a premonition of the imminent sufferings of Christ. The Orthodox tradition recommends focusing on prayer, attending divine services, communicating with loved ones, and preparing for Easter.

Holy Monday of Holy Week: reading the Gospel, signs, what not to do

Holy Week will begin on April 29, on Monday, believers remember the Old Testament Joseph.

It is not customary to arrange noisy feasts, parties and other entertainment events, since Palm Sunday falls on Lent. The sacrament of baptism is also not performed on this day, which is related to the liturgical calendar: during this period, the church focuses on prayerful remembrance of the last days of Christ's earthly life.

According to popular beliefs, it is forbidden to release cattle to pastures on Palm Sunday, as this may bring trouble to the animals. In addition, quarrels, harsh words and any manifestation of aggression should be avoided on this day — it is believed that spiritual purity is especially important on the holiday.

The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem – 2025: signs of April 13

The ancestors had many signs associated with Palm Sunday, by which they judged the future. For example, clear and sunny weather foreshadowed a generally favorable, fruitful year. If it rained or snowed on Palm Sunday, they knew there would be a lot of wheat in the fall. And if the weather was dry, they were preparing for a lean season. The windy day promised a chilly and cool summer.

If the willow buds were fully blooming by the holiday, the cold weather was no longer expected, as it was believed that spring had fully entered into its own rights. According to folk signs, if the bees returned to the hive early that day, warming should come soon. A bright red sunset indicated the approach of rains.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of Holy Saturday before Easter.