Maybe you've heard of this holiday? In our country, it is associated with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, when people greeted him with palm branches. But since palm trees don't grow in Ukraine, we use willow - fluffy, warm, almost homey. It is one of the first to wake up in the spring, and I think there is something very symbolic about this.

The streets were already full of people with armfuls of willow in the morning. Some were rushing to church, some were just enjoying the spring morning. And after the service, the most interesting part begins - "verbuvannya". This is when you lightly pat your family and friends with consecrated branches and say:
"I don't beat - the willow beats, for the week - Velikden, be healthy, like water, and rich, like the earth!"

This is not just a ritual, it is a small cheerful ceremony with wishes for health, joy and goodness. Children especially love this - there is something playful in it, as if nature itself is teasing us: "Come on, wake up!"

Interesting fact: in the past, in villages, willow was placed behind icons or kept all year, believing that it protects the house from thunderstorms, diseases and all evil. And also - if you plant a branch in the ground and it takes root, it is believed that the wish will come true. So I'm thinking - maybe it's worth a try? 😉

Today I also made one wish.🙏 They say that wishes made on Palm Sunday are especially powerful. I would really like something real to appear in my life. Or someone. Who knows - maybe this letter is the first step to it?

And how is your Sunday? What traditions do you have in the spring? What gives you a feeling of warmth and awakening? I am always interested to know how other people feel the season - after all, spring can be different, but it always has one heart.

If you enjoy reading this letter, write to me. Let this day be the beginning of something warm - like a willow in your palms.

With tenderness and a smile, I await your letter.💋💋