There are quite a few interesting signs associated with Maundy Thursday, and different questions are often asked. For example, is it possible to plant on this day? Detailed answers are provided below.
- So you can plant on Maundy Thursday?
So you can plant on Maundy Thursday?
This day is called "pure" because there is a long folk tradition on Thursday before Easter, go to the bathhouse and restore complete order in the house. Joyful bustle, cleansing of the body and soul, the expectation of Easter - this is it, the true atmosphere of Pure Thursday. In Russia, it was Thursday (and also Tuesday) that were considered the most “easy”, 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 folk ideas. In fact, each person can do as he pleases. Moreover, the church does not prohibit doing household chores. True, believers should plan their day in such a way that there is time left for both earthly and spiritual affairs.
What is better to plant and do in the garden on Maundy Thursday
Experienced gardeners often adhere to other popular 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, writes Wordyou. In addition, seeds of turnips, radishes, beets, carrots, and legumes are also planted. Potatoes are planted according to the weather. They also root new cuttings and plant fruit trees.
Pure Thursday and the lunar calendar
According to the lunar calendar 2018, Maundy Thursday (it falls on April 5) is the 19th 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 - it is not forbidden to engage in a garden. But to solve business issues, draw up documents, submit applications - you can safely. Everything similar situations solved surprisingly easily and successfully on Clean Thursday 2018.
Is it possible to plant seedlings and transplant flowers
They also often ask the question of whether it is possible to transplant flowers on Maundy Thursday, to engage in plant seedlings. Again, there are no specific restrictions. Moreover, one can often find such an 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, earth - then after Easter you can quickly grow seedlings of flowers, and then transplant flowers.
Landings on Holy Week: the opinion of the church
Holy Week- these are the last 6 days of Great Lent, which ends exactly on Bright Sunday. The people have their own beliefs about whether it is possible to plant a garden on Maundy Thursday before Easter or on other days of the week. You can meet both arguments for engaging in agricultural work, and against.
In reality, these are nothing more than popular beliefs, which are largely associated with superstitions. In the life of a peasant, farmer and summer resident, far from everything depends on him personally - the land either brings or does not bring. And of course, everyone wants to enlist the support of heavenly forces, which is why all kinds of traditions appear.
However, it should be borne 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 the feast of Holy Easter are a special time.
Therefore, no household chores should take over our time so much that it completely distracts from spiritual affairs. It is important to take time for your thoughts, communicating with your family, preparing for the Easter holiday, attending church, and in general. good deeds. That is why many priests believe that you can do work on any day.
However, before Easter, you should definitely finish the main work. V last days before the holiday (Good Friday, Holy Saturday) and, of course, on Bright Sunday itself, we put aside all the usual things 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 for himself 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 affairs and spiritual thoughts.
Palm Sunday began to celebrate only from the 10th century. This holiday did not exist before. And this holiday is timed to the fact that on this very day, a week before Easter, 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 knock on the body with a willow branch - there will be health for a whole year. First, a willow twig is consecrated on this day in the church, and after that they tap on the body with a twig and say: “Be as strong as a willow, as healthy as its roots and as rich as the earth.” This preference is given to 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 be accepted and will grow. It is for this reason that willow will be able to give health to a person, because she herself is very strong.
Eat a willow bud - an important matter will be decided. 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 going to start a very important business for you, and you are not sure of the result, then the willow will help you here too. But only the willow that was consecrated in the church on Palm Sunday will help. Going on an important matter, you need to tear off three buds from a branch and eat them, drinking holy water, while thinking about your business. True, you can use this property of a twig only in the most extreme case. Constantly, it is not necessary, it is better not to disturb the willow, it can go sideways.
On Palm Sunday, think about your loved one, he will come. Superstition? Most likely. But before, a young girl, if she liked some guy, but he did not pay any attention to her, she was waiting for this particular day. Starting in the morning, she began to think about who is dear to her heart. Her thoughts in some incomprehensible way were 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 the human. Everything that we think about, sooner or later necessarily happens in 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.
Plant a houseplant on Palm Sunday - you will be rich. It used to be thought that if it was on that day to plant indoor flower, then he will attract money into your life. In the cities, of course, houseplants were kept, but in the villages it was not up to that. But those who knew about this sign, and planted indoor plants, very quickly got to their feet. But this sign has several features that few people know about. Firstly, if the flower wilts within a month, then you have to live your whole life in poverty. And secondly, you need to plant only 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.
This year, believers celebrate the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem on April 24. About two thousand years ago, the Jews joyfully greeted Jesus and, as a sign of respect, threw palm branches at his feet. Our climate is not suitable for palm trees, and in the festive ceremony, branches of the first tree that comes to life after winter are used - willow. The consecration of the willows is carried out during the festive service - after reading the Gospel, the priests offer up a prayer and sprinkle the branches with holy water.
However, willow in Russia was revered long before the arrival of Orthodoxy. twigs young tree since ancient times symbolized vitality, health, rapid growth and fertility. But the old willow was considered a refuge natural force, which over the past few centuries has been reduced to "impure". One of the legends says that in the branches of this tree, a water one often sits. The other is that he shot a willow with a bow, and then cursed some saint, who for some reason decided that Satan was hiding in the trunk, for which this enlightened man was hunting. Everything can be, but the main property of a matured plant is the ability to "accept" human ailments, diseases can be sent to a willow.
In some places, to this day, beliefs about palm miracles are alive. So, it is believed that a branch, against the wind, stops a storm, sent into the fire - pacifies the fiery element, and planted in a field - protects crops. Willow was also used to protect your home from evil spirits, and especially the chimney and windows - favorite places for the "entry" of evil entities.
Everything Slavic peoples willow was used as a healing agent. They girded themselves with it during the harvest so that their backs would not hurt, they fumigated sick cattle, ground them into powder and covered their wounds. From willow, along with juniper, a decoction was prepared to help cure sore throat and the stomach, which relieved fever, was used in lotions for bruises, swelling, and swelling. The willow also helped the parents of restless children: at night, the tree was wrapped around a woolen thread, which was then tied to the child’s hand, and he quickly calmed down.
Do not list all the ceremonies in which willow was used. Our ancestors knew how to be friends with nature, and in response, she helped them in all areas of life. May be. And should we try?
The branches consecrated during the Palm Feast are given great power, so they are kept in the house for a year until next spring. Having brought such a branch home, put it in a vase or simply put it on the windowsill. While she will be in your house, many problems will bypass him, and the rest and health of the household will increase. By the way, if you have saved last year's branches, then before. Rather than go for new ones, be sure to burn them: for a whole year they "pulled off" your troubles and illnesses. When they burn, say quietly: "Willow-willow, take the poor things!"
Folk omens for Palm Sunday:
1) If you knock on the body with a willow branch - there will be health for a whole year.
First, a willow twig is consecrated on this day in the church, and after that they tap on the body with a twig and say: “Be as strong as a willow, as healthy as its roots and as rich as the earth.” This preference is given to 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 be accepted and will grow. It is for this reason that willow will be able to give health to a person, because she herself is very strong.
2) It's raining on Palm Sunday - expect a good harvest.
This sign is based on age-old observations of our ancestors. It is noticed that if it rains on this day, then the harvest will be simply excellent. If on Palm Sunday there is a clear and sunny weather, you can expect a lean year. But if the weather is cloudy on this day, but there is no rain, then it will be possible to harvest the crop, but not as much as we would like.
3) Eat a willow bud - an important matter will be decided.
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 going to start a very important business for you, and you are not sure of the result, then the willow will help you here too. But only the willow that was consecrated in the church on Palm Sunday will help. Going on an important matter, you need to tear off three buds from a branch and eat them, drinking holy water, while thinking about your business. True, you can use this property of a twig only in the most extreme case. Constantly, it is not necessary, it is better not to disturb the willow, it can go sideways.
4) On Palm Sunday, think about your loved one, he will come.
Superstition? Most likely. But before, a young girl, if she liked some guy, but he did not pay any attention to her, she was waiting for this particular day. Starting in the morning, she began to think about who is dear to her heart. Her thoughts in some incomprehensible way were 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 that we think about, sooner or later necessarily happens in 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 - you will be rich.
It used to be that if you plant an indoor flower on this particular day, it will attract money into your life. In the cities, of course, houseplants were kept, but in the villages it was not up to that. But those who knew about this sign, and planted indoor plants, very quickly got to their feet. But this sign has several features that few people know about. Firstly, if the flower wilts within a month, then you have to live your whole life in poverty. And secondly, you need to plant only 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 was noticed that in the house where Money Tree grows well, there is always prosperity and there is no lack of money.
6) Poultry is not allowed outside - the witch will spoil it.
It was believed that a week before Great Easter the witches began to run amok. After all, starting from Easter and all holidays, their strength temporarily decreased. So they tried to play a dirty trick, so to speak, for future use. It was considered that it was poultry witches and recouped. That's just to believe this sign or not, it is not known.
7) Plant a houseplant on Palm Sunday - you will be rich.
It used to be that if you plant an indoor flower on this particular day, it will attract money into your life. In the cities, of course, houseplants were kept, but in the villages it was not up to that. But those who knew about this sign, and planted indoor plants, very quickly got to their feet. But this sign has several features that few people know about. Firstly, if the flower wilts within a month, then you have to live your whole life in poverty. And secondly, you need to plant only plants with large and fleshy leaves. The plant with the name "Money tree" is best suited for this.
Family amulet (on 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 having drunk the holy water, start weaving 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 oldest member of the family, holding a wreath in front of the icon Mother of God, will read: “St. Paul waved the willow, drove away enemies from us. Just as it is true that Palm Sunday is celebrated, it is true that evil people they won't come. Amen". 3 times. A wreath to keep the year at the icons. Amen.
What not to do on Palm Sunday? Palm Sunday is a great holiday. You can't work on this day. Also, do not cook hot meals (all meals should be made in advance). Do not forget that Palm Sunday is celebrated during Great 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 not comb your hair. Therefore, the ritual for health, which was mentioned above, must be performed only on the eve of the holiday.
And what signs on Palm Sunday still exist?
The wind that blows on such a day will accompany the whole 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 a storm. It is worth just putting the branches on the windowsill or throwing them against the wind, or throwing them into the fire.
On Palm Sunday, it is customary to bake cookies or make nuts from dough. Further, ready-made desserts are treated to households and even animals. And if you put willow buds in the dough, then you will add health to everyone.
If you are a timid person and are always afraid of something, then on Palm Sunday, after coming from the church, drive the consecrated willow branches into the wall peg, thus it will help you get rid of obsessive fears, cowardice and timidity.
Palm Sunday in 2018 falls on April 1st. Fluffy twigs, which are credited with healing properties. The willow brought into the house on this day becomes a talisman for the whole year. Where do they get the willow and how to save it, what does the church recommend doing and what customs and signs are associated with this day among the people.
On Palm Sunday, Orthodox Christians commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. According to the Bible, Christ entered the city, which was waiting for the liberator from the Roman invaders, on a donkey, which symbolized the world. People had already heard about the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus and lined Jesus' path with palm branches. From that day on, the passions of Christ began - the path of his voluntary torment.
How to save willow
Willow is one of the names of willow, a very common plant in Russia. Most species of willows love moisture and settle in damp places. Willow shoots are among the first to bloom, so they were chosen as a symbol of the holiday.
You can break willow branches yourself, you need to do this on the eve of the holiday - on Lazarus Saturday. They also sell bouquets - their cost, depending on the number of shoots and their length, ranges from 40 to 150 rubles. The week before Easter: customs and signs
Believers with willow come to the service in the church, where the branches are sprinkled with holy water. As for the number of shoots in a bouquet, some people believe that there should be an unpaired number, others are guided by the number of people in the family. Priests cannot unambiguously answer this question. Some note that in the uttered prayer there is not a word about the consecration of the willow itself, only people.
It is believed that the consecrated willow protects the house and its owners. Therefore, it is kept all year round. Some put the branches in a vase without water near the icons, and this way the willow can stand for several years. If you put the branches in water, then most likely they will have green leaves and roots. In this case, the plant must be planted, preferably near the river.
What can be done and what is prohibited
On this day, as on any other Orthodox holiday, one must come to the church for a service and pray. Palm Sunday ends great post, after which Holy Week will begin. You can cook dishes from permitted products in vegetable oil, allow fish and a little wine.
Transplantation allowed on Palm Sunday indoor plants then they will get along well. According to some beliefs, if you transplant a flower with thick leaves, wealth will come to the house.
It is forbidden to organize big holidays and have fun loudly. At the same time, there is no need to be sad and sad either.
Folk customs and signs
Willow was credited with healing properties. In the old days, children and adults were lightly beaten with branches so that they were healthy.
To do this, you need to eat a few willow buds. For example, in one of the regions of Russia, it was customary to eat nine willow buds-candles when leaving the church, "so that your teeth do not hurt and there is no fever."
If the hostess adds kidneys to the dough, then by doing this she will add health to everyone who has tasted pastries.
Willow was also eaten before a long journey or the beginning of a serious business, it was believed that success would await a person.
According to the weather on Palm Sunday, they made a forecast for the summer. If it is sunny and calm, then the summer will be warm, if it rains, then the harvest will be good.
With the onset of spring, it becomes relevant for every gardener to observe the timing of planting various crops. At the same time, many are guided by the clues of nature, by moon calendar. Some people have questions about linking the timing of sowing to the dates of various holidays. And one of the questions that beginner gardeners are most often interested in is whether it is possible to plant a garden after?
When can you plant a vegetable garden after Easter?
Easter is one of the holidays whose date changes every year. It may also belong to different numbers April and early May. However, for horticultural crops there are approximate dates when their landing is most favorable. For example:
- starting from mid-April, early carrots, parsnips and parsley are planted;
- at the end of April, zucchini are also planted;
- in the first decade of May, sowing is carried out gourds, cucumbers and pumpkins;
- before May 10, it is desirable to have time to plant potatoes and beets.
Considering that in last years the weather is not stable, experienced gardeners When choosing the timing for planting a garden, they are guided by the tips of wildlife. These include the following folk signs:
- when snowdrops begin to bloom (this happens in early to mid-April), it is recommended to sow seeds of cabbage, tomatoes and cucumbers in a greenhouse. This will help you get vegetables that will ripen earlier than open garden;
- when earrings begin to appear on the aspen, you can begin to sow carrots, parsley and parsnips;
- from the moment the earrings appear on the birch, potatoes are planted. Beginning gardeners often wonder if it is possible to plant potatoes right after Easter. As a rule, the moment of the appearance of earrings on a birch just coincides with this holiday;
- the appearance of green leaves on the oak indicates that it is time to plant legumes;
- the flowering of chestnuts indicates that it is time to sow corn, beets (for storage) and beans;
- when the viburnum bloomed, you can plant a pumpkin;
- during the blooming of the willow and the flowering of the mountain ash, seedlings of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants should be planted. During this period, the likelihood of frost disappears;
- the fact that the soil will no longer freeze is evidenced by the flowering of hazel. At this time in open ground they begin to sow cold-resistant crops, for example, radishes, sorrel, spinach;
- cherry blossom will help you understand that you can sow dill, spices, re-greens, zucchini, pumpkin, squash.
When after Easter to plant and transplant?
Considering that Easter is a big religious holiday, believers are interested in: what week after Easter should you not plant? In accordance with church canons It is generally accepted that one cannot work for the next week after this holiday. This time should be dedicated to prayer, church attendance, and turning to God.
On the other hand, anyone who is used to working on the ground knows the saying that one spring day feeds the whole year. Therefore, the question is more applicable to agricultural work: on what day after Easter can you plant? In this regard, the rule is applied that you can start planting a vegetable garden three days after Easter.
The timing of planting garden crops varies from year to year depending on weather conditions. Spring can be early, timely or late. Therefore, it is important to correctly navigate and decide on the time of planting the garden, as this will help to get a good harvest in the future.