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Palm Week in 2026: traditions and the spiritual meaning of the 6th week of Great Lent
Palm Week is the sixth week of Great Lent, which includes two important Orthodox holidays: Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. In 2026, it will run from March 30 to April 5. About the history of Palm Week, its significance and traditions by day — in the material of Izvestia.
The history of Palm Week
Palm Week precedes the beginning of Holy Week, after which Easter begins. This is a period of special prayerful concentration and anticipation of the coming celebration.
The most significant events of Palm Week are considered to be its last days — Lazarev Saturday and Palm Sunday. Lazarus Saturday commemorates one of the main miracles performed by Jesus Christ, the resurrection of Lazarus from Bethany, who died of a serious illness. Four days after his death, the Savior came to the crypt and brought him back to life. On this day, the Orthodox celebrate the upcoming universal resurrection.
Palm Sunday, or the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, is considered one of the twelve feasts, that is, one of the 12 feasts that are associated with the earthly life of Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos. On this day, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey. Before that, the Savior was able to resurrect Lazarus, and the townspeople solemnly greeted Christ, throwing palm branches at his feet and exclaiming: "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"
This day has been a holiday since the fourth century, when the tradition of consecrating palm branches arose in the church. At the same time, in the northern countries where there were no palm trees (including in Russia), they decided to use willow, since it blooms one of the first after the winter cold and indicates the onset of spring. Orthodox Christians now come to churches on Palm Sunday with bundles of willow trees.
The meaning of Palm Week
For believers, this period is considered preparation for Holy Week. The Church calls on Orthodox Christians to gradually change the penitential mood of the first six weeks of Great Lent and move on to the spiritual accompaniment of Jesus Christ on Golgotha. On these days, Christians visit churches, pray and repent of their sins. During Palm Week, it is customary not only to attend church services, but also to remember deceased relatives by visiting their graves.
Lazarus Saturday is perceived by believers as a reminder of the coming of Easter. This holiday also inspires hope for a universal resurrection of the dead, which the Orthodox believe in. Palm Sunday also precedes the beginning of Holy Week.
Folk traditions on Palm Sunday
Monday is Mother—in-law's Day
The beginning of Palm Week in 2026 falls on March 30th. In Russia, on this day, mothers-in-law came to the house of a young son-in-law with gifts and wished him all the best. At the same time, the guests tried not to hold grudges against the young and to remain sincere.
Tuesday — Kirill — Deri poloz
Tuesday is dedicated to the memory of St. Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem, who lived in the fourth century. He suffered for his faith in Christ under Emperor Julian the Apostate. In Russia, the saint's memorial day was called "Kirill — Deri Poloz", since at the end of March, due to constant thaws, ice formed on the snow, which could damage the runners of the sleigh.
Wednesday is Darya's Day
It is dedicated to the memory of the martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria, who were able to keep faith in Jesus Christ, even despite the torments of the pagans. According to folk signs, on this day it is necessary to pay attention to the weather, as it can predict what the summer will be like: warmth and the sun indicate heat, and rain indicates the absence of drought in the coming months.
Thursday is Fotinya Kolodeznitsa Day.
This day is popularly named after Saint Fotigya the Wellwife and her sons, who were executed for their devotion to Christ. She got her nickname because she was the Samaritan woman with whom Jesus spoke near the well. On the feast of the martyr in Russia, well water was treated with special reverence — people believed that it acquired medicinal properties. It was also sprinkled on the beds to get rid of pests and get a rich harvest.
Friday is the Memorial Day of St. Seraphim of Vyritsky.
It is dedicated to the memory of not only Saint Seraphim of Vyritsky, but also James of Katana, as well as Saints Cyril of Katana and Thomas, Patriarch of Constantinople.
On Kirill-Katanik day, if the snow had not yet come off, it was possible to ride a sled for the last time, which was then cleaned up until the next winter.
Also on this day, if the weather allowed, boots were exchanged for bast shoes.
On St. Thomas's day, they gathered at the table, invited their relatives to visit, put up with them, tried to forgive all offenses.
Church and folk traditions of Lazarus Saturday
According to church traditions, on this day, temple servants wear white robes instead of black ones, which are supposed to be worn during lent. Churches remember the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection as a prototype of the general resurrection.
According to tradition, on Lazarus Saturday, Orthodox Christians collect willow twigs, which were then carried to the temple to be consecrated.
According to another, less common tradition, on this day people bake a special bread with nuts and dried fruits — "lazarka". It is decorated with symbolic images of spring and rebirth. This phenomenon is more ingrained in Bulgaria, but in some Russian cities this bread is also blessed in the church and distributed to those in need as a reminder of how important it is to support others.
Church and folk traditions of Palm Sunday
According to church traditions, temples on this day are decorated with willow, palm and willow branches, and the clergy wear green robes. A matinee is also held on the holiday, at which a prayer for the blessing of God is read and palm branches are sprinkled with holy water.
Orthodox Christians attend church services on Palm Sunday, which begin with an all-night vigil, during which believers hold candles and willow twigs in their hands. That's how they meet Jesus Christ.
In addition, on a holiday, people can "hit" someone with a willow branch, while these actions will not be a reason for resentment. It was believed that it helps to purify the body and soul and protect against diseases.
What can and cannot be done on Palm Sunday
During this period, it is allowed:
— participate in worship services;
— observe the fast;
— do charity work;
— decorate the house with willow.
It is forbidden on Palm Sunday:
— neglect visits to temples without a valid reason;
— quarreling with loved ones;
— eat meat and dairy products.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
