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DO THIS EXACTLY AT MIDNIGHT: We Celebrate Palm Sunday, and These Are the Most Important Customs We Strictly Observe
One of the most beautiful spring holidays in Orthodoxy, Palm Sunday, is always celebrated on a Sunday, the day after Lazarus Saturday and one week before Easter. This movable holiday, which is celebrated on April 5 this year, holds a special place in the church calendar, as it symbolizes the solemn and final entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, immediately before his suffering.
TL;DR
- Palm Sunday is a movable Orthodox holiday celebrated the Sunday before Easter.
- It commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
- The tradition dates back to the 4th century in Jerusalem.
- Customs include carrying willow branches, picking symbolic flowers, and making wishes.
- Icons depict Jesus riding a donkey, symbolizing spiritual victory.
- In Serbia, traditions include evening liturgy, processions with willow branches, and flower picking.
- Flowers picked have symbolic meanings: cornel for strength, violet for beauty, willow for prosperity.
- Some customs involve leaving flowers in water overnight or placing gold/silver rings in water for children to wash with for health.
- Belief that the first person to pick a flower can make a wish that will come true.
- In some regions, people exchange bouquets with flowers holding special meanings.