Many of us go to the Palm Sunday to the church to consecrate willow branches. But do you know what to do with them now? And the fact that you can sanctify branches on Saturday night... And yet, these branches can help to strengthen the child's health... and even help with conception!
All this and much more, we'll tell you right now. And perhaps it is this information will help to feel all the beauty of this spring holiday of rebirth and hope.
HISTORY OF THE HOLIDAY
This Orthodox holiday annually celebrated on different days. Because it is celebrated a week before the Holy Easter and the last day of Lent (followed by Holy Week). In 2017, Palm Sunday falls on April 9th.
As the Scripture, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the locals who had heard about the coming of the Son of God met him as the Messiah, strewing the path with palm branches. But because in our region palm trees do not grow, they were replaced by green willow twigs, giving thus the popular name of the feast - Palm Sunday. Although the Orthodox Church, this feast is called differently - Entry into Jerusalem.
WHEN sanctifies Sprig
Sanctified willow twigs in the church on Saturday (at the evening service) and Sunday (in the morning). So pick and choose when to go to church. But on Saturday, usually less than people services, which means that your child can see the green sea and the branches in the hands of the people, and the smiles on the faces and hear the solemn sound of prayers.
Then what to do with a sprig WILLOW
Be sure to gently tap a few times all family members with a sprig of consecrated, saying: "Do not I b'yu, willow b'є. For Tyzhden - Velikden; Be great, yak willow, and a healthy, yak water, That a rich, yak land! "Usually this procedure particularly like children, they perceive it as a game. By the way, our ancestors believed that this ritual definitely enhance the health of all family members for the entire year! Thereafter willow twigs usually placed in icons or icons. they do not put in the water.
In Maundy Thursday you need to get one twig willow and before sunrise brewed in boiling water (omit a sprig in 1 liter of boiling water, boil for 1-2 minutes, turn off and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes). This decoction should wash and rinse - a ritual contributes to giving strength and health.
On the day when baked cakes, a sprig of willow will also be an assistant. That fixed it all kinds of decorations for the Easter cake (doves, flowers, etc. of the test). It can also be used as a toothpick while roasting meat - because all the dishes that usually prepared for Easter hostess, is considered particularly, the process for their preparation, too, becomes quite traditional.
In the old days there was another way of using willow twigs - for successful conception. A woman who could not get pregnant, ought to eat ten willow kidney five days after the end of the critical days. Today, this method causes a lot of skeptical smiles, but in the end, the main thing in this festival is still no logic, and faith.
Willow branches during the year should stand at the icons. A year later, they need to burn or throw it in the river. The waste to throw them away in any case impossible.
What not to do on Palm Sunday
For Palm Sunday in the old days there were a lot of taboos. For example, this day can not be cut or combed long - otherwise the hair will be brittle. We can not work - better to leave everyday worries already at the beginning of Holy Week. You can not have fun in the companies and get involved alcohol.
WHAT SHOULD ALWAYS DO THIS DAY
Cover with a festive table. Earlier, however, in this day we tried not to cook: all dishes are grilled, baked, cooked the day before - on Saturday. But this you have to decide how to make comfortably.
Despite the fact that the holiday falls on Lent, on this day it is allowed to eat fish, so feel free to indulge yourself a fish dish.
And, of course, in this day, our ancestors tried to dedicate themselves family. Relax, communicate with each other, and let your relationship is peace and harmony. Happy you Happy Holidays!
