Palm Sunday– Great church holiday which is famous great strength and energy. It is on this day that people try to plant indoor plants called “money trees.”
According to custom, if you plant a flower on Palm Sunday, it will bring good luck and wealth. Often, indoor flowers were planted in big cities, among which the most popular was the money tree. People who did everything according to custom claim that this ritual helped them “get back on their feet.”
Ritual to attract money
However, this custom has several signs. The first of them is that if the flower withers within a month, then the person who planted it will spend the rest of his life in poverty. The second sign is that you need to plant a plant with fleshy leaves. This flower is now called money tree.
To ensure that the flower does not wilt and prosperity remains in the family, it is necessary to take proper care of it.
After the plant is planted, you need to stroke it, or the pot if a seed is planted. At the same time, it is recommended to read the phrase “You grow, and I bloom in wealth.” This is my will. Let it be so!".
After this, you need to carefully monitor the flower so that it does not hurt and is well-groomed. It is recommended to water it on Wednesdays while reading the same plot.
People who have already performed this ritual to attract money claim that if all the above points are fulfilled, changes in material wealth will soon become noticeable - it will increase.
According to the ritual, when watering, you can add a little holy water to the water. On Maundy Thursday, you must wipe all the leaves of the plant, and on Easter, crumble the blessed eggshells. You can also place the remaining crumbs from the blessed Easter cake into the ground. The important thing is that the above actions must be done in small quantities.
This year, believers celebrate the Feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem on April 24. About two thousand years ago, the Jews joyfully greeted Jesus and threw palm branches at his feet as a sign of respect. Our climate is not suitable for palm trees, and the festive ritual uses branches of the first tree to come to life after winter - the willow. The consecration of willows is carried out during the festive service - after reading the Gospel, the priests offer a prayer and sprinkle the branches with holy water.
However, willow was revered in Rus' long before the advent of Orthodoxy. Twigs young tree symbolized since ancient times vitality, health, rapid growth and fertility. But the old willow was considered a refuge of natural force, which over the past few centuries has been relegated to “unclean”. One of the legends says that a merman often lingers in the branches of this tree. Another is that the willow was shot with a bow, and then cursed by some saint, who for some reason decided that Satan was hiding in the trunk, whom this enlightened man was hunting. Anything can happen, but the main property of a mature plant is the ability to “accept” human illness; the willow can send diseases away.
In some places, beliefs about palm tree miracles are still alive. Thus, it is believed that a branch against the wind stops a storm, a branch sent into a fire pacifies the fiery element, and a branch planted in a field protects crops. Willow was also used to protect one’s home from evil spirits, especially chimneys and windows—favorite places of “entry” for evil entities.
All Slavic peoples used willow as a healing agent. They girded themselves with it during the harvest to prevent back pain, fumigated sick cattle, ground it into powder and covered their wounds with it. A decoction was prepared from willow along with juniper, which helped cure a sore throat and stomach, relieved fever, and was used in lotions for bruises, swelling and tumors. The willow also helped parents of restless children: at night they wrapped a woolen thread around the tree, which was then tied to the child’s hand, and he quickly calmed down.
It is impossible to list all the rituals in which willow was used. Our ancestors knew how to be friends with nature, and in return, it helped them in all areas of life. May be. And should we try?
The branches consecrated during the Palm Festival are attributed great power, so they are kept in the house for a year until the following spring. When you bring home such a twig, put it in a vase or simply place it on the windowsill. As long as she is in your home, many problems will bypass it, and the peace and health of your household will increase. By the way, if you still have last year’s branches, then before. Before going for new ones, be sure to burn them: for a whole year they have been “delaying” your troubles and illnesses. When they are burning, say quietly: “Willow willow, take away the poor things!”
Folk signs for Palm Sunday:
1) If you tap a willow twig on your body, you will be healthy for a whole year.
First, a willow twig is blessed on this day in the church, and after that the twig is tapped on the body and the sentence is said: “Be as strong as the willow, as healthy as its roots and as rich as the earth.” This preference is given to the willow because it is, perhaps, the most tenacious tree that exists in nature. It is believed that even if a willow stick is stuck into the ground upside down, it will still take root and grow. It is for this reason that willow can give health to a person, because it itself is very strong.
2) It rains on Palm Sunday - expect a good harvest.
This sign is based on centuries-old observations of our ancestors. It has been noticed that if it rains on this day, the harvest will be simply excellent. If the weather is clear and sunny on Palm Sunday, then you can expect a lean year. But if the weather is cloudy on this day and there is no rain, then the harvest will be possible, but not nearly as much as we would like.
3) Eat a willow bud - an important matter will be resolved.
It was customary to keep consecrated willow branches for a whole year near the icon. If you have to go to important negotiations, or you are about to start a very important business for you, and you are not sure of the result, then willow will help you here too. But only the willow that was consecrated in the church on Palm Sunday will help. When going on an important task, you need to tear off three buds from a branch and eat them, washing them down with holy water, while thinking about your business. True, you can use this property of a twig only in the very as a last resort. Constantly, don’t, it’s better not to disturb the willow, it can go sideways.
4) On Palm Sunday, think about your loved one, he will come.
Superstition? More likely. But before, a young girl, if she liked some guy and he didn’t pay any attention to her, would wait for this very day. Starting in the morning, she began to think about who was dear to her heart. Her thoughts were somehow incomprehensibly transmitted to this guy. And in the evening he came to her to invite her for a walk. In principle, it has long been proven that human thought is material. Everything we think about inevitably happens sooner or later. real life. Perhaps Palm Sunday has such an energy that allows us to bring our thoughts to life much faster than on any other day.
5) Plant a houseplant on Palm Sunday and you will be rich.
It used to be believed that if you plant on this day indoor flower, then he will attract money into your life. In cities, of course, they kept indoor plants, but in villages there was no time for that. But those who knew about this sign and planted indoor plants quickly got back on their feet. But this sign has several features that few people know about. Firstly, if the flower withers within a month, then you will have to live your whole life in poverty. And secondly, you only need to plant plants with large and fleshy leaves. By the way, one of these plants is now called the money tree. In order for it not to wither and grow well, you need to know the special rules for planting and caring for it. By the way, it has been noticed that in the house where the money tree grows well, there is always prosperity and there is no shortage of money.
6) Poultry is not allowed outside - the witch will spoil it.
It was believed that a week before Easter, witches began to go on a rampage. After all, starting from Easter and all the holidays, their power temporarily decreased. So they tried to cause mischief, so to speak, for the future. It was believed that it was on poultry that witches took revenge. But it’s not known whether to believe this sign or not.
7) Plant a houseplant on Palm Sunday and you will be rich.
Previously, it was believed that if you plant an indoor flower on this day, it would attract money into your life. In cities, of course, they kept indoor plants, but in villages there was no time for that. But those who knew about this sign and planted indoor plants quickly got back on their feet. But this sign has several features that few people know about. Firstly, if the flower withers within a month, then you will have to live your whole life in poverty. And secondly, you only need to plant plants with large and fleshy leaves. The best plant for this is the one called “Money Tree”.
Family amulet (for Palm Sunday)
It is done once a year on Palm Sunday. To do this, you will need as many willow branches as there are people in the family. Early in the morning, at dawn, cut off the branches, then go to the morning service and bless them. Arriving home and drinking holy water, begin to weave a braid from the vines, mentally imagining at this time how all the household members joined hands and formed a circle. After completing the work, let the eldest member of the family, holding a wreath in front of the icon of the Mother of God, read: “St. Paul waved the willow, drove away enemies from us. Just as it is true that Palm Sunday is celebrated, it is also true that evil people they won't bother you. Amen". 3 times. Keep the wreath near the icons for a year. Amen.
What should you not do on Palm Sunday? Palm Sunday is a great holiday. You cannot work on this day. Also, do not prepare hot dishes (all meals should be prepared in advance). Do not forget that Palm Sunday is celebrated during Lent. The table should be very moderate: in addition to the foods allowed by Lent, you can only eat fish. And on Palm Sunday you can’t comb your hair. Therefore, the health ritual mentioned above should be performed only on the eve of the holiday.
What signs still exist for Palm Sunday?
The wind that blows on such a day will accompany you all summer.
If the weather is clear and warm, according to one of the signs, the harvest of fruits and cereals will be good.
There is a belief that willow can pacify fire, hail and drive away storms. All you have to do is put the branches on the windowsill, or throw them against the wind, or throw them into the fire.
On Palm Sunday it is customary to bake cookies or make nuts from dough. Then the prepared desserts are treated to household members and even animals. And if you put willow buds into the dough, you will add health to everyone.
If you are a timid person and are always afraid of something, then on Palm Sunday, coming from church, drive a peg of blessed willow branches into the wall, thereby it will help you get rid of obsessive fears, cowardice and timidity.
Palm Sunday began to be celebrated only in the 10th century. This holiday did not exist before. And this holiday is timed to coincide with the fact that it was on this day, a week before Easter, that Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem. It was from the 10th century that our ancestors began to accumulate their knowledge about this day. Palm Sunday is celebrated a week before Easter.
If you tap a willow twig on your body, you will be healthy for a whole year. First, a willow twig is blessed on this day in the church, and after that the twig is tapped on the body and the sentence is said: “Be as strong as the willow, as healthy as its roots and as rich as the earth.” This preference is given to the willow because it is, perhaps, the most tenacious tree that exists in nature. It is believed that even if a willow stick is stuck into the ground upside down, it will still take root and grow. It is for this reason that willow can give health to a person, because it itself is very strong.
Eat a willow bud and an important matter will be resolved. It was customary to keep consecrated willow branches for a whole year near the icon. If you have to go to important negotiations, or you are about to start a very important business for you, and you are not sure of the result, then willow will help you here too. But only the willow that was consecrated in the church on Palm Sunday will help. When going on an important task, you need to tear off three buds from a branch and eat them, washing them down with holy water, while thinking about your business. True, this property of a twig can only be used as a last resort. Constantly, don’t, it’s better not to disturb the willow, it can go sideways.
On Palm Sunday, think about your loved one, he will come. Superstition? More likely. But before, a young girl, if she liked some guy and he didn’t pay any attention to her, would wait for this very day. Starting in the morning, she began to think about who was dear to her heart. Her thoughts were somehow incomprehensibly transmitted to this guy. And in the evening he came to her to invite her for a walk. In principle, it has long been proven that human . Everything we think about inevitably happens in real life sooner or later. Perhaps Palm Sunday has such an energy that allows us to bring our thoughts to life much faster than on any other day.
Plant a houseplant on Palm Sunday and you will be rich. Previously, it was believed that if you plant an indoor flower on this day, it would attract money into your life. In cities, of course, they kept indoor plants, but in villages there was no time for that. But those who knew about this sign and planted indoor plants quickly got back on their feet. But this sign has several features that few people know about. Firstly, if the flower withers within a month, then you will have to live your whole life in poverty. And secondly, you only need to plant plants with large and fleshy leaves. By the way, one of these plants is now called the money tree. In order for it not to wither and grow well, you need to know the special rules for planting and caring for it.
Whether certain plants need replanting can be determined, firstly, by the state of their root system: the roots come out of the drainage hole, and the earthen ball is completely entwined with them (you can verify this by removing the plant from the pot). Secondly, this can be decided based on size, age and growth rate. Young and fast-growing species are replanted annually. Large and slow-growing - once every 2-3 years.
Plants in very large containers are replanted quite rarely (once every 5 years). But it needs to be changed quite often upper layer land, since it is here that, due to the poor quality of irrigation water and constant fertilizing, it accumulates a large number of salts
When transplanting, you need to follow a few simple rules:
The new pot should be only a few centimeters larger than the earthen ball. The opinion that the larger the pot, the better plant will develop, erroneously. In fact, only that part of the soil that is actively penetrated by roots works; the rest of the soil turns sour, and a large number of pathogenic bacteria are formed here, which negatively affect the development of plants. Ideally, between the earthen lump and the walls of the new pot there should be a distance equal to two fingers (in width).
A month before transplantation, the plant needs to be fed with a urea solution, since after transplantation this can be done no earlier than 2-3 weeks later and the plants may starve.
The day before transplanting, indoor flowers are watered abundantly.
In some plants, during the growth process, a large mass of roots is formed, which, like felt, entwine an earthen ball (asparagus, chlorophytum). In this case, you need to cut off part of the roots from below, and, if necessary, from the sides.
If the plants have grown greatly, spring is the time to start dividing them. Each division is planted in a separate pot, observing all the above rules. During the first time after transplantation, it is recommended to spray the plants more often (with settled water), and once every 7–10 days, additionally spray them with Epin, increasing their resistance.
To give indoor flowers a certain shape and regulate their growth, shoots are cut and pinched. And it is best to do this again in April–May, since the growth of new shoots will occur during increasing daylight hours. By the way, you can carry out not only formative pruning, but also sanitary pruning, removing all old, damaged shoots that have grown over the winter. A mandatory rule is that pruning is carried out on the bud directed outward. Otherwise, the regrown shoots will be directed inside the bush, which is not only unsightly, but also harmful to the plants - they will receive less light and develop worse.
If you need to rejuvenate a plant (for example, a ficus that has been growing on one stem for several years), then it is pruned quite strongly, removing most shoots. The same applies to overwintered pelargoniums, fuchsias, indoor roses. No more than 3–5 buds are left on each shoot.
In the spring they are heavily pruned and many hanging plants(ivies, philodendrons, syngoniums, tradescantia), in which weak shoots form in winter due to lack of light. They try to trim them to the so-called “last year’s growth,” that is, above the leaves that formed at the end of last summer. After this, as a rule, strong shoots are formed that make up the skeleton of the plant. It is necessary to trim with a sharp knife or pruning shears.
Shoots of plants with small growth, as well as shoots of certain species that need to be given a certain shape, are pinched. In this case, only the top is removed. They usually pinch by hand during the entire active growth period, that is, from April to the end of July. This should not be done later, since young shoots will form with decreasing daylight hours and this will negatively affect their quality.
There are quite a few interesting signs associated with Maundy Thursday, and various questions are often asked. For example, is it possible to plant on this day? Detailed answers are given below.
This day was called “clean” because there is a long-standing folk tradition on Thursday before Easter to go to the bathhouse and cleanse full order in the house.
Joyful bustle, cleansing of body and soul, anticipation of Easter - this is the true atmosphere of Maundy Thursday. In Rus', it was Thursday (and also Tuesday) that were considered the most “light”, fertile days.
Therefore, it is not forbidden to engage in any agricultural work (preparing seeds, replanting flowers, seedlings, fertilizing plantings, etc.). However, there is a belief that it is better not to plant potatoes on Maundy Thursday. By the way, in our latitudes at such a time (and this is usually the beginning of April) no one thinks about this - the earth and air have not yet warmed up well enough.
However, all these reflections concern only popular ideas. In reality, each person can do as he pleases. Moreover, the church does not prohibit doing household chores. True, believers should plan their day so that there is time left for both earthly and spiritual matters.
What is the best thing to plant and do in the garden on Maundy Thursday?
Experienced gardeners often adhere to other folk beliefs. They confidently answer positively to the question of whether it is possible to plant a garden on Maundy Thursday. For example, they sow seedlings:
- tomatoes;
- cabbage
Despite the fact that the time for these purposes is already quite late, the yields are very good. In addition, seeds of turnips, radishes, beets, carrots, and legumes are also planted. Potatoes are planted according to the weather. They are also rooting new cuttings and planting fruit trees.
Maundy Thursday and lunar calendar
According to the Lunar calendar 2019, Maundy Thursday (it falls on April 25) is the 19th, 20th lunar day, when the disk begins to decrease (it is dark by about a quarter). In terms of planting, this is a fairly neutral time - gardening is not forbidden.
But you can safely resolve business issues, draw up documents, submit applications. All such situations are resolved surprisingly easily and successfully on Maundy Thursday.
Is it possible to plant seedlings and replant flowers?
People also often wonder whether it is possible to replant flowers on Maundy Thursday or to plant seedlings. Again, there are no specific prohibitions.
Moreover, one can often come across the opinion that it is on Maundy Thursday that it is good to prepare the ground for agricultural work. If you have time to do everything in advance - prepare flower seeds, soil - then even after Easter you can quickly grow flower seedlings, and then replant the flowers.
Plantings during Holy Week: the opinion of the church
Holy Week– these are the last 6 days of Lent, which ends exactly on Easter Sunday. People have their own beliefs about whether it is possible to plant a vegetable garden on Maundy Thursday before Easter or on other days of the week. You can find both arguments for and against engaging in agricultural work.
In reality, these are nothing more than folk beliefs, which are largely associated with superstitions. In the life of a peasant, farmer and summer resident, not everything depends on him personally - the land either brings it or it doesn’t. And of course, everyone wants to enlist the support of heavenly powers, which is why all kinds of traditions appear.
However, it is worth keeping in mind that there are no specific prohibitions on planting a vegetable garden. Representatives of the church proceed from the fact that a person can act exactly as he sees fit. However, it is also clear that Holy Week and Easter are special times.
Therefore, no household chores should take over our time so much that it completely distracts us from spiritual matters. It is important to spend time with your thoughts, communicating with your family, preparing for Easter, going to church, and generally doing good deeds. This is why many priests believe that work can be done any day.
However, you should definitely finish the main work before Easter. In the last days before the holiday (Good Friday) and, of course, on Easter Sunday itself, we put aside all our usual activities and devote our time to other activities.
And it turns out that Maundy Thursday is a kind of temporary O th border - after all, this day was the last in the earthly life of Christ. This means that it is advisable to calculate your time in such a way that all important matters are completed on Thursday (below is the commentary of Archpriest Konstantin Madzyanovsky).
Thus, everyone has the right to answer the question of whether it is possible to work in the garden and what to plant on Maundy Thursday or on the Saturday before Easter. Of course, in life there are difficult situations, requiring urgent decisions. And in most cases, of course, we can skillfully plan our time so that we can pay attention to both earthly matters and spiritual thoughts.
