Palm Sunday: the essence of the holiday. Palm Sunday service

On the first day of April 2018, we will celebrate a bright spring holiday that almost everyone knows - Palm Sunday. And exactly one week later, as usual, Easter will be celebrated.

Both dates have been celebrated for almost 2000 years. Interestingly, until now, many people are wondering what to do on Palm Sunday and on the eve of this day. Let's try to clarify this issue in detail.

The meaning of the holiday: past and present

Palm Sunday, like Easter, is one of the most beloved spring holidays by almost all people. Not every person goes to church these days, but willows with fresh buds can be seen in almost every home.

BUT historical events associated with Palm Sunday, we all know. Exactly a week before he rises, the Savior rides on a donkey into holy city Jewish people- Jerusalem. An enthusiastic crowd of greeters, who believed in him as the Messiah, pave the way with magnificent, lush palm branches.

In ancient times, people paid attention to symbols and signs, perhaps more than today. So the entry of Christ into Jerusalem was perceived only as a good symbol: after all, he controlled not a horse, but a donkey. It turns out that Jesus entered as a Savior, but not as a conqueror.

Today, all believers remember these interesting events with great reverence. To understand the basic meaning of the holiday, it is not even necessary to master all the subtleties of theology. It is evident that Christ conquered the hearts of men by peace, not by war. So he entered the city as a winner. But the people who met the Savior were not his captives. They shared the joy of meeting someone they truly believed in.

Therefore, Palm Sunday as a holiday has not lost its relevance, and there is no reason to doubt that people will not celebrate it even in 100 years. A pleasant spring day, fresh willows (after all, palm trees, of course, do not grow in our area) - all this is a visible symbol of the rebirth of nature after a long winter. And most importantly, this is the basis of our good hopes for the fulfillment of all good plans.

What to do before the holiday

Few people know that the day before the holiday is also revered in Christianity. It is called Lazarus Saturday, because according to legend, on the eve of entering Jerusalem, the Savior raised from the dead an acquaintance of his friends - Lazarus. This event in itself is an interesting symbol. And the very fact of the resurrection allowed people to once again be convinced that Christ is the promised Messiah from God.

Therefore, on the eve of Palm Sunday, it is better to prepare for the holiday. As a rule, they try to prepare in advance delicious table(but, of course, without gluttony), and also - clean up everything around. If possible, all these works are performed on Friday, because on Saturday it is better to be with the family and remember God, perhaps to do some kind, selfless deeds.

What do they do on Palm Sunday

Of course, the main symbol of Palm Sunday is the fresh branches of willow (willow). Interestingly, this tree is the first to bud in our latitudes. You probably noticed that no matter when the Easter celebration falls, the willows still keep up, because nature has no bad weather.

In Russia, there was a good tradition to go for willows with the whole family. On the eve of the holiday, households, neighbors, entire villages went out into the groves, on the shores of reservoirs and plucked fresh willow branches with blossoming buds. Willows decorated the house, icons, bright corners in every room. And of course, they were given to all relatives and friends.

What to do in church

The first thing on this day is to go for willows and light up the branches in the church. It will be great to buy them in advance, and go straight to the festive service in the morning. In principle, it does not even play a special role here, how often a person goes to church, whether he is baptized. There are no prohibitions - the main thing is to do everything sincerely, from the heart, and not for formal observance of custom.

In addition, it is in the church that you can feel a rather unusual, special festive atmosphere. This is especially important for people who are still alone or are going through difficult times. Sometimes, after all, you need to take a small step, and changes for the better can happen as if by themselves.

Of course, believers know what they do in church on Palm Sunday. It is necessary to go to worship in the morning. If a person adheres to a strict fast, he is simply obliged to be in the assembly of believers. Well, everyone else can just pay a little attention and enjoy the atmosphere of the holiday.

What do they do at home

And here is the most main question What do they do on Palm Sunday at home? Of course, the first thing to do is to sincerely congratulate all the family, relatives, guests and neighbors on this holiday. By the way, in Russia since time immemorial there has been an interesting custom: the consecrated willow branches are lightly hit loved one and wish him well. And for those who are planning some important event, you can eat three kidneys and sincerely believe that the situation will turn out well.

You can make small bouquets from willows and put them in bunches in water - this is the most important thing to do on Palm Sunday at home. If there is an icon in the house, then several branches must be placed next to the holy face. This is how we strengthen useful action willows and, moreover, we recharge the home environment, tuning in to all the best.

On such a beautiful day, it is better to try to devote more time to your family. Why not bake delicious homemade muffins? After all, perhaps, there is no smell more comfortable than the one that comes from hot buns. By the way, in Russia they baked flour balls (like koloboks) and hid willow buds in some of them. Children can appreciate this fun even today - try playing this interesting game with them.

For those who fast, a slight relief is allowed on such a day: you can eat fish dishes, and also some good red wine (for example, church Cahors). Of course, you should not arrange lavish feasts and, moreover, abuse alcohol. After all, the meaning of the holiday is in pleasant family communication, memories of the Savior, who will be resurrected very soon, exactly in 7 days. Well, that, as they say, is another story.

Many people know about such a holiday as Palm Sunday. And many people buy willow branches on the eve of this day, but not everyone knows what to do on Palm Sunday in church, so they are in no hurry to go there. But this approach is not correct, because willow branches are just harvested in order to go with them to the temple.

Before answering the question: “What to do on Palm Sunday in church?”, It is necessary to remember what this holiday is dedicated to. The event that gave rise to it is called the entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. As the Bible says, after people learned that Jesus Christ was able to perform miracles, they wanted him to become the ruler. And when the Savior entered Jerusalem, the crowd joyfully greeted him. People wanted Jesus to solve their earthly problems, but they did not think at all that Christ could give them liberation from sins, and that this is the most important thing. People shouted and covered the road with palm branches, and Christ thought about how to turn their hearts to kindness.

In memory of this day, they celebrate Palm Sunday. Why Palm? Because even children know that palm trees do not take root in Russia, so they decided to change them for a tree that comes to life first after winter. Willow branches are an important symbol, so they need to be plucked or bought and taken to the temple for consecration.

Not all people know when they bless the willow in the church. Of course, it all depends on the temple, in some churches this is done at the evening Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday, that is, the day before, but basically the willow is consecrated in the early Sunday morning.

At dawn, people come to the temple, which is already decorated with willow branches, defend the service and give willow branches to be consecrated. In some churches, willows are distributed free of charge to those people who, for some reason, could not stock up on willows.

You can also bring to the church not only a new willow, but also an old one. AT church rites Palm Sunday includes the burning of last year's twigs. All the old willows are put together, set on fire, and while the fire burns, the clergy read special prayers.

What to do with the willow after the return of their temple

After people return from the temple, they should take the consecrated branches and lightly tap them on their relatives and family members. It is believed that then the whole family will be healthy all year round.

Then the willow needs to be divided. A beam can be placed behind the icon, another beam can be put in a prominent place. Willow branches can also be placed in waterless vases throughout the home.

It is necessary to store the consecrated willow branches until the next Palm Sunday. But they can be used. When people fell ill, a consecrated willow was passed over their body. Also, when hail began, a bunch of willow was thrown into the yard to pacify the elements. There is also a belief that the willow pacifies the fire, and that a fire will not happen in a house where there are branches. People also believed that if you drive a willow peg into the wall on Sunday morning, you can become bold and overcome your shyness.

Do not forget that this is a big holiday, so you can’t do household chores; the number of church traditions includes eating fish on this day. As you know, this is another symbol of Christianity. You can also take a couple of sips of church wine. And be sure a person should pray and think about what he did in order to become closer to Jesus.

As Palm Sunday approaches, signs become especially important and significant. At this time, it is customary to make forecasts almost a year ahead about the weather and the future harvest.

Lazarus Saturday

Another holiday celebrated on Saturday of Palm Week is the Resurrection of Lazarus.

Word was sent to Jesus that his friend and companion Lazarus of Bethany was seriously ill, and they asked him to hurry. It was not clear why Christ was in no hurry. And only after the news that Lazarus had died, he set off.

When he arrived in Bethany, four days had passed since his death. The relatives and friends of the deceased were in deep sorrow. Jesus prayed earnestly near the cave where Lazarus was buried.

He appealed to God with requests to perform a miracle. After the prayer, the stone blocking the entrance was moved away, and those present saw the miracle of the resurrection. 4 days ago, Lazar turned out to be alive.

Christians have been celebrating Lazarus Saturday since the 4th century. Three and a half centuries later, a certain canon for holding services on this day was developed. The hymns during the service do not point to an accidental miracle, but to an important symbol of the strengthening of faith.

After sunset, during the evening service, willow branches begin to be blessed. This is the beginning of the celebration of Palm Sunday.

Holiday Palm Sunday

As mentioned above, according to church canons, Palm Sunday begins on Saturday evening. But the main services and the consecration of the willow are held on Sunday.

Among other things, in Russia this holiday personifies the awakening of nature after a long winter. No wonder the northern Slavs chose willow as a symbol of this day. The tree is a harbinger of spring. As soon as the sun warms the air, fluffy lumps hatch into the light. It is they who give faith in the coming warm days.

Orthodox Christians celebrate Palm Sunday with joy. How is this day celebrated in Russia? People of all ages go on Sunday morning to the nearest church to bless willow branches. The churched parishioners stand the service, praying and participating in hymns. Upon returning home, it is customary to slightly unfasten the home with willow with wishes of health and grace.

The consecrated branches are placed next to the icons, braided into braids, made into amulets, nailed to outbuildings. A year later, on the eve of a new holiday, the willow is burned.

If you know the exact date celebrations, you can prepare in advance. How to calculate what date Palm Sunday will be celebrated in a given year? To determine the date, you need to know what day Easter will be. Exactly one week before the Resurrection of the Lord, the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is celebrated.

What not to do

Palm Sunday is a significant holiday for Christians. Any work on this day is undesirable. Some don't even recommend cooking. AT modern world everything is much easier. There are services and professions that involve daily work, regardless of calendar dates. But if there is no special need for any business, then it is better, of course, to postpone it.

In the old days, women were forbidden to comb their hair on this day, just like on the Annunciation. It is clear that now this is hardly possible. Although the owners of long curls can comply with the ban. Braided hair, covered with a scarf on top, may well do without combing for a day.

What other prohibitions exist on Palm Sunday? What is completely unacceptable is to indulge in gluttony. The end of the sixth week of fasting does not imply a plentiful feast. A little wine meatless dishes prepared with vegetable oil, fish - this is the basis of the festive table.

Holiday traditions

The main and main tradition of the holiday is the consecration of willow branches. It is believed that there should be exactly as many as there are people in the family. For some peoples, family amulets are woven from these branches. Their power is great. They protect the house from unkind people and fire, save from hurricanes and floods, from poverty, despondency and disease.

On Palm Sunday, weather and harvest signs are especially reliable. They have been supported by families for generations. This is especially important for residents involved in agriculture.

The tradition of putting coins in bread comes from Belarus. Thus, it is possible to determine who will be accompanied by good luck and prosperity throughout the year.

In some areas, it is customary to put consecrated branches into the coffin of the deceased. This tradition goes back to the very beginning of Christianity. It is believed that thanks to the willow, one can enter the gates of paradise and greet the Savior there. Among other things, the willow tree is a symbol of life and awakening.

Traditional willow bazaars. Children especially love this entertainment, as the main product is sweets. In addition, pleasant trifles for the household and the same willow, collected in bouquets and decorated with ribbons and paper angels, are offered.

A tree grown from a consecrated branch increases wealth in the house. Therefore, the bouquets brought from the church are placed in water and carefully watched for roots to appear.

Rites and customs

Many folk omens on Palm Sunday have long grown into rituals, customs and rituals.

If you live near a river, try dropping a willow twig into the water. If she floats away from you, then in the near future, prosperity is expected to be added to the house.

Branches attached to the roof will protect the inhabitants of the house from illness and mental anguish.

Whipping children with branches on a holiday is the most common ritual. With each blow, a wish for health is also spoken.

And here is another custom for increasing wealth. With a complete ban on doing anything on this day, it is still recommended to plant indoor plant with thick round leaves. If the flower is accepted and grows rapidly, you can be sure that wealth will come to the house.

Rites on Palm Sunday are traditions dating back to the depths of centuries. To believe them, to observe whether - everyone decides for himself. For some, this is the principle of life, while for others it is just a beautiful addition to the day off.

The use of consecrated willow in folk medicine

It has long been believed that willow contains a huge healing power. Sprinkling with holy water multiplies it several times. How can you use the twigs brought from the church on Palm Sunday? What to do with them to improve health? Here are some examples of the use of willow for medicinal purposes:

Taking a decoction of the branches, you can get rid of headaches, fever, fever, insomnia.
Rubbing the decoction on sore spots relieves rheumatic pains.
Willow infusion on vodka will help to cope with intestinal infections and disorders.
The leaves are able to heal wounds.
Swallowing consecrated open buds helps with infertility.
Babies sleep more peacefully after bathing in water infused with willow branches.

Willow in traditional medicine used wherever it grows and enjoys well-deserved respect.

Folk omens

Folk omens for Palm Sunday have long come into use. They are passed from elders to younger and become part of our lives.

Calm sunny weather promises a warm windless summer and a rich harvest. Strong wind promised chilly weather.

A cold but clear day gave hope for the productivity of spring crops.

Palm Sunday without frost increases the chance for an abundance of fruit.

The number of blooming earrings also served as an indicator of the future harvest.

And on this day, it is customary to mentally call on a loved one, and the meeting will definitely take place.

Every year for many centuries the church opens its doors to everyone who believes in salvation. Palm Sunday is a holiday that symbolizes the power of faith, its rebirth. Willow branches and bouquets bring peace and protection to the house. Following the first rays of the sun, hope for the best is born in the hearts. And even if this day is fraught with a lot of sadness, it is still a harbinger of the Light Sunday of Christ and the salvation of all mankind.

Where to put willow twigs after Palm Sunday?

Palm branch B Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece symbolized victory, glory, health and longevity. The warriors of Ancient Hellas announced their victory by sending a messenger to their people with a palm branch.

Participants received a palm branch as a sign of victory. Olympic Games. In the Roman Empire, palm twigs were used as home decor during the Saturnalia festival. A palm branch was also left on the tombstones of valiant warriors and nobility.

In Jerusalem, the palm branch symbolized veneration: war heroes and representatives royal family greeted with palm branches.
Jesus was also greeted by the people with a palm branch when he arrived in Jerusalem, because they saw him as the Messiah, who was known from the prophecies.
According to Christian tradition, palm branches are a symbol of eternity, the victory of Christ over death.

Where to put the old consecrated willow from last year before Palm Sunday?

The absence of palm trees in Russia was compensated by willow branches, which usually begin to bloom by Palm Sunday.

Worship during the celebration All-night vigil) of the day of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Saturday is accompanied by prayers and singing, during the performance of which they bless the willow. This happens after reading the Gospel, when the repentant 50th psalm is pronounced.

People who come to the temple on this day are sprinkled with holy water by the priest and read a special prayer. The consecration of palm twigs after the divine service does not make sense: it is important not to leave the church with a twig, but to defend the Liturgy with it.

With a consecrated willow, people receive help, because the text of the prayer is a request to observe and save the one who holds the twig in his hands.
Willow twigs that were consecrated during the service are brought home to be put in a vase or attached to the icon.
It is necessary for consecrated willow twigs to stand next to the icons for a year before the next holiday.

Willow twigs brought home after the service should not be thrown away with the rest of the garbage.
Last year's twigs are burned before Palm Sunday, taking out the ashes to a place where no one walks. You can pour the ashes into the river (but not into stagnant water).
If willow branches that have taken root are planted in the ground, they will quickly take root if they are provided with abundant watering.

Where are consecrated willow branches placed?

next to the icons
fastened to crucifixes
put near fireplaces, stoves
bringing pets into stalls
left in vases with water

Children are “quilted” with consecrated willow branches so that they grow up healthy

Palm twigs consecrated during worship are powerful protection from misfortunes, ailments and troubles for the whole year. It is better to make room for fresh consecrated willow twigs before going to church for a festive service or returning from the temple.

When will willow blossom and bloom?

Willow is a wind-pollinated plant. Male flowers spread their pollen with the help of the wind, thanks to the same wind male pollen falls on female flowers.
Flowering of wind pollinated plants occurs before the leaves bloom. Air currents move near the flowers, carrying light grains of pollen, and the foliage does not interfere with pollination.
Willow catkins during the flowering period are abundantly covered with pollen, which attracts bees and bumblebees, which in early spring are in search of boxes of nectar. That is why the willow is classified as secondarily adapted to pollination by insects.
Willow shoots acquire a red-brown color in April or early May due to films appearing on flower buds that have a reddish tint.
After that, delicate fluffy grayish-white colors open on the branches. These are male willow flowers. They are collected in earrings.
From them, long stamens with pollen soon appear and gray fluffs turn into yellow ones. Willow buds from gray sheep turn into tiny chickens. By May-June, seeds are formed in the willow.

When do you need to tear the willow on Palm Sunday?

The flowering period of the holly willow just falls on Palm Sunday. On the eve of the Day of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, namely on Lazarus Saturday before Palm Sunday, it is supposed to tear the willow for consecration.

How to save willow until Palm Sunday?

If you stocked up on willow branches on the eve of the holiday or a few days before it, then put the branches in the water. So the blossoming fluffy buds will not dry out and will not wither.

How to decorate a willow with your own hands to the church?

If you decide to decorate willow branches for the holiday with your own hands, then look at the photo selection below. Here you will find many wonderful options.

Willow branches look beautiful with the first spring flowers: tulips, daffodils.

Having collected a whole bouquet of willow twigs with your own hands, you can wrap it with a ribbon or twine, and use tiny birds or Easter bunnies as an additional decor element.

From artificial willow twigs, you can weave a wreath or basket and put small decorative eggs in it.

When do they bless the willow in the church: on Saturday or Sunday?

Festive worship takes place on Saturday night. During the service, the priest reads a prayer and sprinkles the people who came to church with holy water.
If you came to church without symbolic twigs, then after the service you can take with you a consecrated willow - a sign of readiness to meet the Savior.
At the same time, it is not important how much holy water fell on the willow, but that it was sanctified by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

What to do with the consecrated willow after the holiday?

Some Orthodox do not know what to do with willow branches brought from the temple. Ordinary twigs plucked the day before become a shrine that recalls the solemn appearance of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem.

But besides this, willow branches brought from the church retain their magical qualities all year round, which is why it is so important to keep them in the house until next spring:

willow twigs are used to decorate rooms
willow twigs, along with other flowers, are used in flower arrangements, they are used to make bouquets
consecrated willow twigs can be used to cleanse the house of evil (twigs are set on fire and carried around the house, while saying a prayer)
for the same purpose, willow twigs are burned in the oven during the baking of Easter cakes
after the willow has fulfilled its functions, it can be taken to the temple (there it will be slowly burned, reading prayers)
last year's willow twigs are swept around the corners, and, having said words of gratitude for the service, they are thrown into the fire
so that the children grow up and do not get sick, adults jokingly beat them with willow twigs
willow twigs that have survived from the past Palm Sunday can be burned by pouring ashes where no one walks (for example, under a tree in a garden or in a forest, ashes are often thrown into a flowing river)
willow twigs are rafted downstream of water or stream

How much should willow stand after Palm Sunday?

Willow branches brought home at the end of the service are placed in the places where the icons stand. There they must stand for a whole year until next spring. And so that the branches stand for a long time and do not crumble, put them in an empty dry vase.
If on Palm Sunday you did not go to the temple and you do not have fresh willow branches in the house, then you can leave last year's ones. They will stand for another year, showing their wonderful properties.

How many willow branches should be planted at home?

Since willow twigs are a symbolic reminder of the meeting with the Savior, there is no unambiguous answer to the question of how many willow twigs you need to take with you to worship.
Believers choose for themselves the number of branches
they take an unpaired number of branches, take as many branches as there are households in the family.

How to bless willow at home?

If you didn’t manage to visit the temple on Palm Sunday or didn’t have the opportunity to ask someone you know to bring you consecrated willow branches after the service, then consecrate them yourself. For this, holy water is used.

The crumbling willow "seals" from the consecrated bouquets should be collected and stacked where the rest of the willow twigs are.
And only before the onset of Palm Sunday, twigs and fallen buds can be burned so that fresh blossoming willow takes their place.

Is it possible to plant a consecrated willow on the site?

Sprouted willow twigs that have stood in a vase of water for a long time can be planted in the ground, but not in the yard (it is better to plant near a river or in a forest, because it is believed that a person who planted a willow will die as soon as a shovel can be made from a branch).

Video: Willow / To light or not to light / Where to put the old willow / Palm Sunday

Bright Palm Sunday is a great church holiday, which has a very importance for the entire Christian world. It was established many centuries ago in memory of a grandiose event - the entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. The Bible tells that the laity, having learned about the amazing ability of Jesus to work miracles, called him to their city and offered him the position of ruler. They hoped that Christ would solve their worldly problems, and he wanted only one thing - to give all living forgiveness and liberation from sins.

How to celebrate Palm Sunday and what to do on this significant day is quite clearly indicated by the church canon. According to his information, at the time of the holiday, one should attend a solemn service, illuminate palm branches and read prayers to the glory of the Lord. After the service, the consecrated shoots must be brought home and hidden behind the icons, as a talisman against everything bad for the next 365 days. You can part with last year's willows by letting them go downstream or setting them on fire. But what you can’t do on this day is to work, clean the house, wash, wash, do housework and burden yourself with heavy thoughts. Only positive thoughts and bright aspirations will help open the heart and fill it with God's grace.

What do you do on Palm Sunday in church?

Despite the popularity of Palm Sunday, not everyone knows what they do in church on this day. Even fewer people know that the celebration begins the day before on Saturday evening. At this time, the most zealous believers come to churches for the All-Night Vigil and bring willow and willow twigs with them. Priests read ritual prayers from the Gospel, then say the 50th psalm and sprinkle fresh, tender shoots with holy water. After the action, the plants are handed over to the parishioners, and they stand with willow and lit candles until the end of the service.

The sprinkling ceremony is repeated directly on Palm Sunday itself. This happens at the time of the festive morning service. The holy fathers, dressed in elegant, solemn clothes of all shades of green, serve the beautiful Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and consecrate the twigs to ritual chants. Then the parishioners take the vegetation home and store it responsibly until the next Easter. According to legend, willow protects the family from malice, troubles and misfortunes.

What not to do on Palm Sunday and why

Palm Sunday is one of the Twelfth church holidays and symbolizes the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, thanks to which it is highly revered in Christian world and has its own strict rules. There is a whole list of what not to do on this bright day, and first of all, the sacred charter forbids believers to do any work, both at home and on earth. Strict taboo extends even to cooking. It is believed that Christians should prepare the necessary dishes in advance, and on a holiday, the hostess only has to put them on the table and offer them to her family, relatives, friends and relatives.

As for the menu, it is planned taking into account the requirements of Great Lent, during which a significant date falls. You won’t be able to afford any special luxuries, since meat and dairy, fatty, smoked and high-calorie sweet foods are still banned. The only thing that is permissible to diversify the diet is fish and seafood.

It is not necessary to clean the house, wash and wash the dishes on Palm Sunday. It is likely that a lot of dirty dishes will accumulate and they will occupy almost the entire sink, but it is better to deal with them the next day, in extreme cases, as late as possible in the evening.

The ban also applies to the removal of garbage, household chores and cleaning of premises where livestock is kept. Pets are only fed on Palm Sunday, but the hay beds are not changed, the litter is not taken out, and the pens are not cleaned.

Not recommended per day happy holiday cut and color hair and nails, bathe in the bath and do beauty treatments. Simply wash your face and hands with cool water and pat dry with a towel or linen napkin. No other hygienic actions should be performed, unless, of course, I do not require it. elementary rules daily personal hygiene.

Palm Sunday - what to do with willow after worship: signs and customs

On Palm Sunday, willow shoots must be taken to church, consecrated and held in hands for the entire period of solemn service. According to legend, after this ritual, the plant acquires a completely unique properties and becomes a kind of amulet, sewn up and a remedy.

What to do with willow consecrated in the church - folk traditions

To gain health for the next year, knock on the body with a branch of consecrated willow and say: “Be as strong as a willow, as healthy as its roots and as rich as the earth.”
For patients who want to get rid of illnesses and ailments, move a willow sprig along those points on the body that are most disturbing and read such a conspiracy: “Holy Spirit, enter through the willow - take away the disease. Willow will come - the disease will take away.
So that insomnia does not torment, put willow shoots at the head of the bed, look at it and say: “Holy angels, take care of my sleep, holy willow, drive away the undead.”
To protect against fever, remove 9 earrings from the consecrated branch and swallow them.
Women who have been trying to get pregnant for a long time should eat willow cones daily. The long-awaited conception will soon take place.
In order for an important matter to definitely be crowned with success, before negotiations, tear off three cones from the consecrated willow and eat them. The old people say that this ritual is very strong and should be resorted to only as a last resort.
To attract wealth on Palm Sunday, plant in a pot indoor flower or a plant with fleshy, succulent leaves.
At the time of a thunderstorm, put willow branches by the window. This will protect the house from lightning strikes.
To find harmony in the heart and peace of mind stick a branch of consecrated willow into the roof of the house (in an ordinary city apartment, just attach it in the upper corner of the ceiling).

Palm Sunday - what to do with last year's willows: rituals and traditions

On the eve of the next Palm Sunday, the faithful begin to wonder what to do with last year's willows. Church texts state that in no case should you throw away old shoots, because they are sprinkled with holy water and carry a charge divine energy. It is best to get rid of them in the following ways:

let it go downstream in the body of water closest to the house;
burn it, and scatter the ashes over water or simply pour it out in some deserted place;
plant in the ground near a river or in a forest if the branches have taken root;
put a deceased relative or friend in the coffin;
light it like a candle and bless the whole house, while simultaneously reading one of the Christian prayers;
before Palm Sunday, cover the whole house with last year's branches, including the most secluded corners, and then burn it on fresh air, saying thank you for protecting the home from adversity.