Palm Sunday, or the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem, is one of the most important Christian holidays, which is part of the Twelve Days. Read the article of Kommersant Ukrainian to find out when Palm Sunday is celebrated in 2024, what are the traditions and what not to do on Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday: the history of the holiday
Palm Sunday, also known as Palm Sunday or the Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, is celebrated by Christians around the world as the beginning of Holy Week, which precedes Easter. This holiday has deep religious significance and historical origins, which are associated with the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
The history of this holiday comes from the New Testament, in particular the Gospels. It is believed that on this day, Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on a donkey from Bethany, where he was greeted by a crowd of people who spread palm branches in front of him and shouted “Hosanna”, welcoming him as the Saviour. However, this solemn entrance was a harbinger of suffering and crucifixion.
In different cultures and countries, Palm Sunday has its own traditions associated with the use of palm branches or other plants such as willow, especially in Slavic countries. For Orthodox believers, this holiday is a great day, often accompanied by church services and processions with the blessing of willow branches.
Thus, Palm Sunday has become a holiday that marks the beginning of the end of Lent and leads to the most important Christian holiday, Easter. This holiday reminds Christians of the recognition of Jesus as the Saviour, as well as the events that led to his crucifixion and resurrection.
When is Palm Sunday 2024 celebrated?
In September 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) switched to the new New Julian calendar. This led to a change in the dates of church holidays by as much as 13 days, but did not affect Easter and other related holidays.
This year, Palm Week for believers who live according to the Julian calendar lasts from 22 to 27 April, and Palm Sunday falls on 28 April.
What are the traditions of celebrating Palm Sunday?
Preparations for the Palm Sunday celebration begin a few days before the holiday itself, when believers cut off willow branches in the amount equal to the number of family members and put them in water to blossom.
Palm Sunday is preceded by Lazarus Saturday, which involves a certain easing of Lent. In particular, during the holiday weekend, it is allowed to add fish and caviar to the diet, as well as drink some cahors. In addition, on Saturday evening, churches hold services during which believers can bless willow branches.
On the day of the holiday itself, morning services are held in churches, where believers pray and priests bless willow branches with holy water. Afterwards, the blessed branches should be taken home and placed near icons, where they are kept for a year. It is believed that these branches can protect the home from water and fire, as well as bring health and well-being to the inhabitants.
One of the most popular traditions is that people lightly whip family members with willow branches, wishing them health, strength and prosperity. Usually, the following words are said: “I don’t hit you, the willow does; Easter is coming in a week, red egg is not far away!”
There is also an interesting folk sign according to which it is believed that if you eat one bud of a consecrated willow, you will be able to find your happiness.
So, Palm Sunday is a holiday rich in tradition that reminds us of the upcoming Easter and is an important step in preparing for Holy Week.
What is forbidden to do on Palm Sunday?
Since Palm Sunday is a great holiday, there are a number of prohibitions on this day. Thus, on this day it is forbidden to
- work;
- do any cleaning or other household chores;
- engage in heavy physical labour;
- do needlework: sew, knit, embroider, etc;
- quarrel and get into conflicts;
- get angry, be offended and use foul language;
- to have big parties and overeat.
This day should be devoted to the spiritual, to keep your thoughts and statements pure, and to postpone any work.
The author: Olya Yushko