The expert named the right time for the consecration of the willow tree before Palm Sunday

The consecration of the willow trees before Palm Sunday takes place on Saturday during the festive divine service — the All-Night Vigil. This year it fell on April 12, psychologist Ilmir Takaev told Izvestia.

"After reading the Gospel, the priests incense the willow trees with fragrant incense, recite a prayer and sprinkle the branches with holy water. Willow should be stored until next year, and then replaced with new branches, and the old ones should be burned," Takaev said.

He noted that Palm Sunday is dedicated to the fact that Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem a few days before his death.

"Two thousand years have passed since then. But every year, like the inhabitants of Jerusalem, believers come to meet Christ in temples with tree branches. Palm trees do not grow in Russia, and other trees are still in bloom due to the severity of the climate, only willow trees are covered with delicate shaggy buds. Willow is a symbol of spring, the spiritual rebirth inherent in this time of the year," the psychologist added.

According to him, on this holiday it is recommended to put aside all worries and devote time to spiritual matters. Therefore, answering the question whether it is possible to go to the cemetery on Palm Sunday, he noted that it is not recommended to do so.

"Despondency on non-holidays is considered a sin, and on holidays, even more so, one should not indulge in melancholy. That is why it is not recommended to go to the cemetery on Palm Sunday and on the eve of this day if the trip can upset a person. However, if the soul asks, the clergy allow you to visit the cemetery and advise you to take willow twigs with you, but it's better not to do the cleaning," Takaev emphasized.

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