The tradition to bind a willow on a holiday, called Palm Sunday, has been preserved for many years. For the Slavs, this tree has always had a special meaning, so it involves a lot of superstitions and rituals. Since it was the first vertebrae that "wakes up" after the winter, it was considered a symbol of rebirth and enlightenment.
What to do with the consecrated willow?
After the branches have been sanctified they can be used for different rituals:
- The verba is used to beat other people on the back with the words "Verboshlest, beat to tears". In this way a person sends happiness and health.
- On Palm Sunday it is customary to bake pies with kidneys of consecrated willows. It was believed that such baking is curative, and it will help get rid of various diseases.
- According to the existing information, if you eat several pussy-willows, you can get rid of the fever. They are also useful for women who have problems with conception.
- The sacred willow was used to prepare the powder, which helped to increase the healing speed of the wound.
- If you tie a consecrated twig to your head, you can get rid of the headache.
- The next day after Palm Sunday it was customary to drive out the cattle grazing. In this way, the animal is sent health and fertility.
- Sanctified in the church, the willow has magical powers. Our ancestors believed that if you throw a twig against the wind, but you can stop the thunder, rain and other bad weather.
- If you respectfully refer to twigs, they can help in solving problems and in realizing desires. To do this, they need to be put in a beautiful vase, regularly change the water and talk with the willow, as with a live one.
- When the twigs begin to dry up, they need to be thanked for help and burned away from home.
- If the willow has taken root, then it is best to plant it near the house, and it will be an excellent amulet for the family.