In 2020, traditionally Palm Sunday will be celebrated one week before Easter. In the Orthodox Church it is called the Entrance of the Lord to Jerusalem. Over the centuries of the existence of the holiday, many traditions and customs have been formed that are passed down from generation to generation and nowadays.
Celebration date
Since Palm Sunday does not have a fixed date for the celebration, the question arises of how much the holiday will be in Russia in 2020, is quite logical. The Lord's entry into Jerusalem is included in the list of Easter holidays. Their dates change every year and are calculated according to church canons, although an ordinary person does not need to know them.
Important! Palm Sunday is celebrated a week before Easter, in 2020 - April 12.
Calculating the date yourself is simple. It is enough to know when Easter will be. In addition, the holiday falls on the 6th Sunday of Lent. After it follows Holy Week - the most severe period of fasting, during which the last days of the life of Jesus Christ on earth before the crucifix are honored.
history of the holiday
The events that became the basis for the emergence of the Orthodox holiday took place during the life of Jesus Christ. He preached faith in His Father and showed people His power and ability. The resurrection of the Infirmary became one of the landmark events in the life of God's son. The fame of him and his actions scattered rapidly at eastern cities and villages.
When Jesus Christ decided to come to Jerusalem, the locals greeted him with honors. Almost all the inhabitants of the city gathered at the main gate. To show respect for the important guest and to show piety, they paved the way with their clothes and palm branches. After the death of Jesus, believers included this day in the list of holidays.
In Russia, the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem appeared only in the tenth century, but was slightly changed. In the East, the main symbol of the holiday is palm branches, which were laid under the feet of the Son of God, but palm trees do not grow in our area because of the climate, so we started using willow twigs. This tree was not chosen by chance. The fact is that the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem was associated with the revival of life, and the willow was first awakened in the spring after a winter's sleep. And even if the holiday is in early April, the buds on the branches will certainly blossom.
Willow - the main attribute
On Sunday morning, believers go to church to serve with bunches of willow branches. Although the holiday begins in the evening. Priests put on green robes, which symbolize eternal life, and spend the night vigil. In small towns, only evening service is usually arranged.
The main tradition of the holiday is the consecration of willow branches. In large cities, you can buy them near the temple, but it is better to prepare yourself in the evening. It is important to know a few simple rules:
- You can break branches only from a healthy and young tree. It should not have dry twigs or signs of illness.
- Do not break the willow growing over a river or a pond, as mermaids and other representatives of evil spirits can sit on it.
- The number of branches should correspond to the number of people in the family.
The tree consecrated in the church has great power, so it is used as a talisman. Usually people gently beat each other on the back with branches and say: “I don’t beat, the willow hits, gives health.”It is believed that such a ritual allows you to expel disease from a person, strengthen his spirit and strength.
The willow houses are placed behind the icons or in all corners and stored for a year. It protects a person's housing from evil spirits, diseases and adversities. Change twigs only on the next Palm Sunday. They are thrown into the river or burnt, but separately from the garbage, and if sprouts have appeared, they are incubated in the ground. In addition, people eat willow buds to get reliable protection from evil spirits for a whole year. It is recommended that they be used by women who cannot become pregnant. From willow buds make charms, which are worn in a pocket or on clothes.
Festive meal
Upon returning home from church, the family gathers at the festive table. Since Palm Sunday in 2020 falls on Lent, housewives should only prepare lean dishes. It is allowed to serve on the table:
- dumplings with potatoes and cabbage;
- vegetable stew;
- dishes from beans, peas and beans;
- marinated mushrooms;
- first or second courses cooked with fresh or dried mushrooms.
Also, households and guests are treated with lean sweets - halva, jam, marmalade, chocolate. On this day it is allowed to eat fish and drink some red wine. Previously, the housewives prepared lean cookies with willow buds, which all family members ate.
Important! Palm Sunday is considered a great holiday in the Orthodox Church, therefore it is forbidden to do any physical work. In this regard, women should prepare meals in advance.
New traditions of celebration are now added to the old customs. In big cities, Palm Fairs and festivities are organized on Palm Sunday. Most likely, this tradition will continue in 2020. Typically, the program includes songs, dances, entertainment for children, etc. You can go on such walks with the whole family.
See video about the history, traditions and meaning of Palm Sunday:
Read also:
(No ratings yet)
Loading...
