What to do with last year's willow that stood in the house? What to do with willow from last year What to do with old willow before Palm Sunday

15.03.2022

The main symbol of the great Christian holiday Palm Sunday is the consecrated willow, as well as willow branches with the first leaves that appeared on them. The consecrated willow in Russia has always been credited with miraculous properties. It was believed that she helps to heal from diseases and drives away misfortune from home all year. But what to do with last year's willow?

After all, the consecrated willow is not just branches, but already a shrine, which symbolizes the entry of the Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Interestingly, since the birth of Christianity, the celebration of Palm Sunday, or, as Catholics and Protestants call it, Palm Sunday, has not changed. In Russia, it was impossible to find palm branches, with which, according to legend, the Jews met Jesus Christ. Therefore, the symbol of the holiday in the Slavic territories was replaced by willow (willow) branches, which are available in large quantities in early spring.

Every year, new branches of willow are consecrated in churches and temples, but what to do with the willow from last year? First, we must remember that it is better to leave the branches consecrated this year at home for the whole year. Branches decorate the house. You can arrange them in all rooms, put in a red corner. Willow bouquets at home on Easter Eve remind us that the Holy Resurrection of Christ will come very soon.

Willow, illuminated during the holiday, will protect the house and its inhabitants from problems and hardships throughout the year. Secondly, before you engage in the arrangement of fresh willow, you need to understand where to put the willow from last year. Under no circumstances should you just throw it away!

When and how to get rid of last year's willow

A year later, on Palm Sunday, after the consecration of new branches, it is time to carry out certain rituals to get rid of old bouquets. There are several scenarios of action, from which you can choose the most convenient for a particular case.

You can simply collect all the branches that are at home and burn them. Ash from burned branches must be poured out in places where people will not walk on it. For example, a good place is under a tree in your own garden or in the thicket of the forest. Also a good opportunity to get rid of the ashes is to pour them into the flowing river.
You can not burn the branches, but simply collect them all together and float down the river with a rapid current. It is important not to throw willow into stagnant bodies of water, namely into rivers and streams in which there is a current.
It happens that the willow sprouts. If it so happens that the branches have roots, then the best way to get rid of them is to land. Such trees should not be planted in one's own yard, because there is a belief that then someone will die in the house. It is best to plant sprouts in a forest or near a river.
You can also take last year's branches to the church. There they are burned with the reading of the appropriate prayers.
Alternatively, you can burn the branches in your own oven. At the same time, in the heat that will turn out, it is good to bake Easter cakes and pies.

These are the most suitable options for what to do with willow after Palm Sunday. The new willow has magical qualities that you can use for your own purposes.

The ancient Slavs believed that the willow has incredible power. People were convinced that she was able to provide them with protection from evil forces, protect them from troubles and help them overcome obstacles. Folk signs associated with this plant have survived to our time.

Sacred plant of our ancestors

Many believe that the superstitions associated with willow appeared because it is filled with life before other plants. If the weather did not allow the plant to bloom on time, then the willow branches were placed in water so that it would bloom by Palm Sunday. It used to be customary to lightly hit each other with a willow. It was believed that this gives a person strength and protects him.

Eating a willow bud was considered a very good sign, as this plant has medicinal properties and helps to heal many diseases. Willow branches were placed in water, and then sick children were bathed in it. Earrings of this plant were baked into bread, and in some villages they baked cookies in the form of willow buds.

A large number of signs associated with this plant have come down to us. They help to recognize the signs, they try to warn us about something important. Let's consider some of them.

A strong wind blows on Palm Sunday - most likely, it will be windy all summer. On this day it is warm and clear - the whole summer will be hot, and the harvest will be rich.
If on this bright day you touch a person with a willow branch, it will give him strength, health and cleanse him of negative energy.
The consecrated willow should be kept in the house all year to protect the well-being of the family.
There is a sign of pregnancy: in order to become pregnant, on Palm Sunday, a childless woman must eat a kidney of this plant.
To drive bad luck and bad luck out of your life, you need to throw a willow against the wind.
Plant branches thrown into the fire can extinguish it.
Throwing a willow into the yard means protecting yourself from adversity.
With severe pain, you need to touch the branches of the plant.
To recover from the disease, you need to hug the willow, but do it no longer than 10-15 minutes a day.

In the old days, they believed that if you go to the deepest thicket of the forest, where no man has set foot, find a willow there and bring it home, then happiness, prosperity and good luck will settle in the house.

They talk about another unusual property of this plant. Believers are convinced that on the Christian feast of the Entry of the Virgin into the Temple, willow buds instantly swell and bloom, making light clicks. It is believed that the more severe the frost, the louder these clicks. This takes place on the night of December 3-4.

It also happens that on this night leaves appear on the branches of the plant, and after midnight they hide again and open only in spring. People who have managed to catch this amazing moment carry twigs to the temple or put them in the water at home.

What to do with last year's plant

When you bring home a consecrated willow, the question arises: what to do with last year's? You can't just throw it away like that. There are several options for how this can be done:

Lower last year's plant into a reservoir (river, pond, lake).
Burn and scatter the ashes over the river.
If the willow has sprouted, you can plant branches in the forest or near the river.
You can light it like a candle and walk around the house with it, saying a prayer, thereby conducting the rite of cleansing the apartment.
In the old days, last year's branches were burned in the oven, in which Easter cakes were baked.
Previously, last year's willow swept the corners of the house, and then burned on the street, saying words of gratitude for protecting the whole year.
You can take the branches to the forest and leave them in the willow bushes.
Or take them to the church, where they will burn them, saying the words of a prayer.

The question is often asked: is it possible to plant a willow near the house, on the site? In fact, you can’t plant this plant in your yard. There is a saying: if you plant a willow near your house, you will shorten your own life. Naturally, it is possible and even necessary to plant trees. But it is recommended to do this in the forest, because the willow should grow in freedom. And it is in the forest, and not in the garden, that the branches of the plant are cut for consecration in the temple.

Unusual plant properties

If the plant has taken root, it means that you are lucky in the future, prosperity and happiness await you.. It is advisable to plant a sprouted twig in a forest or near a river, making a wish, and it will certainly come true.

The twigs dried up - it means that they took upon themselves the misfortune of the owner of the house.

To feel self-confidence and vitality, you need to hang plant branches above the door of your house. Every time you enter your home, touch them.

So that the plant does not lose its strength when collecting, do not break off the branches, but carefully and carefully cut them. At the same time, mentally thank the tree, and also ask for forgiveness for taking away part of it.

It is considered a good omen to make yourself an amulet from a kidney, such a talisman will protect and heal its owner.

In the photo: Palm Sunday in the Church of the Archangel Michael. Gomel.

Time flies so fast. It seems that only yesterday was the New Year, and the day before yesterday was Easter, as Palm Sunday had already come again, Easter again in a few days.
I wonder if Palm Sunday is a holiday for you personally?
How do you celebrate it? What customs do you follow? Do you go to church to shine willow branches?
Or is it the most ordinary weekend or working day for you, when you have to dig and sow in the garden, when every minute in the field is precious?

Do you know when to tear willow branches for consecration and what to do with last year's?

A week before Easter, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.
On this day, willow branches are consecrated in all churches. This is a very ancient holiday with its own customs and traditions, about which nothing is written in the Bible.
But many do not even know how to properly collect and sanctify willow, and then store it at home. How do you collect willow branches?
That's right, before going to church or already right along the way we find a willow tree or a bush of seals, peel off the required number of branches from it or buy it right from the church, fortunately, bunches are sold there in abundance, we line up and wait for the priest who walks in a circle or in a square and a huge number of people reincarnated as pious people with a specially trained broom pours over willows, heads, clothes.

HISTORY REFERENCE: When Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, he knew perfectly well what fate had in store for him. The city greeted him joyfully, covering the road under his feet with palm leaves. Therefore, the symbol of the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem is palm leaves. But in our climatic conditions, palm trees do not grow, and Easter comes very early, it is believed that the willow blossoms first and its branches are ideal for this purpose.

According to tradition, willow branches for Palm Sunday are torn on the eve of the holiday, on Lazarus Saturday, or a couple of days before it. The bouquet must be placed in the water and fresh, unwilted twigs must be carried to the church. The number of twigs in the bouquet must be odd

When do they bless the willow in the church: on Saturday or Sunday?
Correctly illuminate the willow on the Sabbath.
On the eve of Palm Sunday, in the evening on Saturday, festive services are held in churches - Vespers. It is to this service that one must come with willow branches and candles.
After reading the Gospel, the priest says a special prayer, goes around the people holding willows with a censer and sprinkles them with holy water. It is at this service that believing parishioners receive grace.
The re-sprinkling takes place on Sunday morning, after the liturgy.

As a rule, people reincarnated as pious people go to the consecration of twigs in the morning, even without entering the church, they line up in a circle, the priest comes out and we know what is happening. The people came to receive grace! But that special prayer no longer precedes this sprinkling.
So what happens is what happens.
They came, stood, even had time to quarrel several times right in the churchyard, branches in a bag and celebrated at home. I didn't think about the fight. She herself heard several times yesterday, “What are you standing in front of me? Is there enough room for you?”, “Move away, you close my father, holy water will not fall on me!” I wanted to say that even a barrel of holy water would not help her.
How can people not understand that everything is much deeper and more serious than the performance they are putting on?

No wonder the priests are indignant that Palm Sunday today has turned from a holiday dedicated to the Lord into the day of the consecration of the willow. People come to church not to praise Christ, to remember his miraculous deeds, but simply to sprinkle willow twigs in their hands with holy water. Will it bring any benefit to the soul and body? Church officials are skeptical. For true grace, one must come to the All-Night Divine Liturgy.

What to do with the consecrated willow after the holiday?
After consecration, willow branches should be brought home and stored in a red corner, spread out behind the icons, or you can put them in a vase so that the twigs dry or into water, then the plant will be fresh for a long time or take root. It will be possible to plant somewhere in the yard or in another place.

How many willow branches should be planted at home?
At home, you need to put the number of willow branches equal to the number of family members, or any odd number.

It is impossible to distribute your willow to anyone either in the church or after it. If someone who cannot go to church to be sprinkled and asks you to do so, then a separate bouquet should be collected for this person.

How much should willow stand after Palm Sunday?
The consecrated willow branches stand in the house until the next Palm Sunday, that is, a whole year.

Where to put last year's consecrated willow?
Willow branches consecrated in the church acquire the character of a shrine.
Priests advise burying last year's consecrated with twigs where people do not go, animals do not relieve themselves. Somewhere in the garden or at their summer cottage.
You can throw it into the river, burn it in an oven or at the stake. You can also feed the animals.

Slavic traditions.
Upon coming home from church, it is customary to symbolically whip all household members, especially children, with a willow. It is believed that then the plant gives them strength and health, while they say: "Be as strong as the willow, as healthy as its roots, and as rich as the earth!"

It is believed that willow buds after consecration can be eaten to protect oneself from diseases and troubles,
become pregnant or successfully complete some important business.
A willow is stuffed into a pillow for the deceased, put it in a coffin so that his soul goes to Paradise.
Priests consider these folk traditions absurd.

Willow branches are not a talisman. In the spiritual sense, the house is protected from evil by the prayer and faith of those who live in it. If godlessness and revelry is going on in the house, then no willows, icons and sprinkles, no crosses on the walls will save.

Don't want to miss new entries? Add me as a friend and subscribe to blog updates!
Add to friends
Subscribe to updates.

Did you like this post? Support me by liking this post on your social networks, or you can just write a comment! Your opinion is important to me!

Palm Sunday is celebrated on the sixth Sunday of Great Lent and precedes Easter Sunday. This bright celebration of all Christians symbolizes the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem - an event retold in detail in the Gospels of Luke, Mark, Matthew, John. For hundreds of years, Palm Sunday has been tightly wrapped in dozens of folk traditions, church rituals, magical rituals and signs. The older generation knows in detail what not to do on a holiday, and what to do with fresh and last year's willows. But young people, unfortunately, are not very knowledgeable. Therefore, our article contains all the important information that helps to avoid mistakes. Palm Sunday: what to do and where to go - read on.

What is done on Palm Sunday: traditions and rituals

Thousands of years ago, during the Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, people paved the path of the messiah with freshly cut palm branches. This magnificent tradition was adopted by the peoples in the East and applied when meeting important guests. There are no palm trees, boxwood or olive trees in our territories. Therefore, willow turned out to be the only suitable seasonal plant. Its branches delight with lush buds and retain their appearance for a long time even without water.

What do believing laity do on Palm Sunday, and what traditions do they follow from year to year? Of course, the former scope of the celebration has long been lost, but the most important rituals are relevant to this day. Like a hundred years ago, people continue to collect willow bouquets, rush to consecrate them in the temple and bring them to their homes. There, children and relatives are beaten with branches, driving bad weather away from them. An important place is given to the festive meal. Even lean, but very long-awaited. On Palm Sunday, fish is allowed, which is prohibited on other days. In addition, on the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem, you can drink some red wine.

Some families prefer to spend the rest of the bright holiday making potions, others prefer conspiracies for marriage and the appearance of a betrothed. Still others go to visit loved ones or to the cemetery to the deceased relatives. What exactly to do on Palm Sunday, and what rituals to perform, each housewife decides individually, based on the strength of faith and family preferences.

Signs on Palm Sunday - what to do and where to look

What else to do on Palm Sunday, besides observing traditions and rituals? The answer to this question was given by our ancestors hundreds of years ago. To this day, there are dozens of reliable signs associated with this holiday. They are passed down from generation to generation, from older family members to younger ones. So that by paying attention to the signs of nature, one could learn something about the near future and protect oneself from troubles.

If the night before the holiday is frosty, the harvest of spring bread will be generous;
What wind blows on Palm Sunday, such will prevail all summer;
Frosts - to a good harvest of cabbage and cucumbers;
If the bright sun shines on Palm Sunday, expect a good harvest of fruits and cereals;
Strong wind to summer storms and hurricanes;
To successfully resolve any issues, they ate a willow bud before starting a business or conversation;
On Palm Sunday, cattle are not driven out of the barn, otherwise evil spirits will spoil it;
If enough willow decoction is made on a holiday, the whole year will be something to be treated and sanctify the house;
If a sprouted willow branch is accepted in the ground, the whole family will be healthy, calm and prosperous.

Palm Sunday: when and what to do with willow

A consecrated willow is not just a branch of wood, it is a real shrine with strong energy and magical properties. But in order for all ancient Christian beliefs to come true on Palm Sunday, it is better to study in advance when and what to do with willow.

Firstly, on the eve of the holiday, branches were cut exclusively from young trees without any damage to the bark or buds. The growth hanging over the river must not be touched. They say mermaids ride it at night. It is also forbidden to fold a willow bouquet from a cemetery plant or from a tree with a hollow.

Secondly, after the consecration in the temple, the willow bouquet was divided into several parts. A couple of branches were left in the cemetery, a few more branches were hidden in the barn as a talisman. Part of the shrine was used to make potions and medicines. And the rest was placed in the house until the next Palm Sunday. During the year, wood was used for various rites and rituals.

Thirdly, upon returning from the temple, all relatives were beaten with willow branches, wishing them good health and well-being. It was considered correct to strike exclusively on the back. If someone slapped you on the ass with a willow, then the person’s intentions are bad.

Fourthly, on Palm Sunday, young girls made a strong love spell on willow. And in most cases, the mystical ritual had a striking effect on the fate of fortunetellers.

Fifthly, knowing when and what to do with willow on Palm Sunday, experienced village women prepared the most powerful and miraculous potions that heal not only from diseases and defects, but even from infertility.

New willow on Palm Sunday - miraculous properties

Fresh consecrated willow has a lot of miraculous properties. It has long been used for a whole year after the holiday for various economic, household, medicinal and even mystical purposes. Arriving from church on Palm Sunday, each member of the family was beaten on the back with a twig from a bouquet. Don't forget about livestock. This tradition served as an attraction of health and happiness. After that, the amulet was placed in the corner of the house in a visible and accessible place so that it would protect the hearth from ill-wishers.

If there was a marriageable bride or a young guy in the house, a willow branch was planted in the garden. As soon as the sprout is accepted, so be the wedding. In the event of a fire, a willow branch was thrown into the fire to relieve its strength. It was believed that a bouquet of willow branches can control the elements. The most pious lay people planted marvelous sprouts in the well in order to protect it from all sides from evil spirits. And the kidneys from the consecrated twigs were chewed and swallowed for fever, sore throats and other diseases. Even a decoction of festive willow was actively used in home healing.

What to do with last year's willows on Palm Sunday

Every year, after the celebration of the bright holiday of Palm Sunday, willow twigs remain in the house. According to traditions, they are strictly forbidden to be thrown away, because they are endowed with protective and healing properties after consecration in the temple. The willow bouquet should stand in a conspicuous place for a whole year until the next celebration arrives. And only then can you get rid of last year's willow in order to make room for a new home amulet. But you can’t just take and throw the twigs in the trash, as the vast majority do. Only a few know what to do with last year's willows on Palm Sunday. It's time for you to know.

There are a couple of ways to properly say goodbye to last year's armful, approved by the church:

Willow can be burned. After the wood is completely burned, the ashes must be collected and given to the ground. It is possible to bury the remains of willow only in a secluded place where strangers do not go. According to folk legends, this way of saying goodbye to the amulet guarantees the owners protection from fires and arson in the house;
Also, willow branches can be sent along the river course. Reservoirs with stagnant water are not suitable for this purpose. Fast water should carry last year's willow away from the place where the owners live;
Branches that have taken root should be planted in open ground away from home.

If none of the above options is suitable, you can take the willow to the nearest temple, where the priest will burn it when reading a prayer during a church service.

Where else to put last year's willow on Palm Sunday

There are several more ways to attach last year's willow branches on the eve of Palm Sunday. So, an old bouquet can be thrown under a shady bush in the nearest forest. If homemade baking is started in the oven, a fire can be lit with a willow. Some lay people sweep corners with twigs and take them out to be burned in a fire. In some cases, the amulet is dried and stored on a shelf with icons as a talisman. There is an opinion that by burning a willow branch and piercing a house with it, it will be possible to get rid of any evil spirits and envious glances. And even if last year's bouquet is stored in the house, the Palm Sunday holiday should be met with a fresh one.

What not to do on Palm Sunday: folk and church customs

It is important not only to honor the necessary traditions, but also to clearly understand what cannot be done on Palm Sunday: folk and church customs are full of both permissions and prohibitions. So, for example:

on Palm Sunday it is impossible to work, perform any economic functions, build, cultivate the land;
on a holiday it is forbidden to cook hot dishes, it is better to cook all the necessary dishes the day before;
Palm Sunday is the day of Great Lent, which means that the festive menu should be modest (the only mitigation is fish);
do not comb your hair on April 9;
it is strictly forbidden on the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem to quarrel with loved ones, utter foul language, abuse alcohol, and have a lot of fun;
on Palm Sunday you cannot sew, knit, embroider;
on a bright church celebration, you should refrain from watching TV shows and using the Internet.

What else can not be done on Palm Sunday - the groundless myths of believers

In addition to the above prohibitions, dozens of myths about behavior on Palm Sunday roam among the believing population. One of them is the restriction on visiting the cemetery. The real reason for this statement is unclear, because according to all Christian canons, going to the graves of ancestors on such a day is not only allowed, but even recommended. Also, despite the excuses of inveterate Old Believers, on the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem, funeral rites and baptisms of small children can be held. Baptismal and memorial sacraments, as well as getting rid of last year's willow, are allowed on any calendar day, regardless of the schedule of Orthodox holidays. But in fact, on Palm Sunday what to do and what not - everyone decides for himself. You can listen endlessly about signs, rituals, traditions and rituals with willow - and then do everything you need without having faith in what is happening. And you can trust with all your heart, refuse what you can’t do, and even after Palm Sunday, live according to your conscience.

Very soon, Russia will celebrate Palm Sunday. The celebration is of great importance for Orthodox believers. After all, it was on this day that Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on a young donkey, symbolizing peace and goodness.

People, having learned that Christ had resurrected Lazarus the day before, who had been dead for several days, began to greet the Son of God and throw palm branches under His feet. It was they who became the prototype of our willow.

On the eve of the holiday, people go to the forest and tear off several branches from the tree, then carry them to the church for consecration. The plant is stored in the house for a whole year until the next Palm Sunday. And what to do with the willow of last year, what is the father’s answer to this question?

After the consecration, the plant becomes a shrine, so throwing it into the trash can is not allowed and is considered a sinful act. The same applies to the storage of branches. They should not be placed on the floor or in a dirty, dusty place. It is also considered a sin and an insult to the shrine.

So, here is the answer of the priest to the question of what to do with last year's willow?

After Palm Sunday, old twigs are taken to the river and lowered into the water.
Another option is burning willow. The ashes left from the plant do not need to be thrown away. It is collected and taken to a place where the human foot does not set foot. It could be your own garden. If there is no garden, then the ashes are taken to the forest and poured out under a tree. With a burning willow, you can walk around the house, consecrating all corners. At the same time, they read a prayer or simply ask God for well-being.
If the willow sprouted in a vase, then such a branch can be planted in the forest near the reservoir.
The holy fathers say that willow twigs can be stored for several years. But be sure to bring new ones on the holiday.
You can take last year's willow to the church to be disposed of in accordance with all the rules.

Fathers, when they are asked the question of what to do with last year's willow after Palm Sunday, they answer in this way. The fluffy parts are torn off the branches and put in a bag.

The branches themselves are burned. The bag is kept in the house. When one of the family members dies, they put him under his head. This is necessary in order to always remember death.

At the same time, people should remember that if you pick a lot of branches from a tree every year, then such a pillow will quickly fill up. Therefore, it is more expedient to manage with several branches. So the "pillow for the dead" will stuff much longer.

Why willow need to be kept in the house

The consecrated plant should be kept in the house near the icons or on the home iconostasis. Willow should be treated with respect, like other church shrines. The vase or jar should always be clean, and dust and dirt should not accumulate around.

As mentioned earlier, willow is the main symbol of Palm Sunday. Our ancestors associated this plant with a real divine miracle.

People still believe that it has healing powers. So, if during the illness of a loved one to touch his forehead with a consecrated willow twig, then he should have recovered in the near future.

Also, people believe that if you lightly whip a child with a willow, then he will be obedient and healthy.

It is believed that the willow in the house protects all family members from evil spirits, natural disasters and evil people. To protect your home from lightning strikes, plants were placed on the windowsill. To drive out demons and witches, a twig was stuck into a roof or wall.

Willow also consecrated all corners, while reading prayers. People believed that the plant is a guide to God.

On the basis of the kidneys, decoctions, infusions were prepared, which were used during illness, possession or mental illness. In ancient times, young people, going on a difficult task, made a charm from the fluffy parts of the willow.

The girls believed that the beads made from the buds of the plant would help to conceive a child soon.

Our ancestors also believed that willow in some miraculous way affects livestock and poultry. Therefore, animals were quilted with plant branches. They were also fed to livestock during the pasture, so that they would not be poisoned by poisonous plants and witches would not spoil them.

When to bless the willow

The willow is consecrated on Palm Sunday at the morning service. The date of the holiday depends on the beginning of Easter. This year Easter Sunday falls on April 28th.

And the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is always celebrated before the beginning of Passion Week. Accordingly, Palm Sunday falls on April 21st.