Flower Day or Feast of Palms
The Feast of Palms (also called the Day of Flowers, the Sunday of the Pillars) celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when the Christians spread palm branches on his way. Being the last Sunday before Easter, it also marks the beginning of the last period of fasting: Holy Week.
Willow – the holy tree
At Flower Day church ceremony, believers hold willow branches in their hands, which they will then take home to their families. Why the willow? The legend says that the willow tree was blessed by the Virgin Mary herself after helping her cross a river. Leaving to see the Savior who was crucified, the Virgin met a water that she could not cross. The willow stretched out its branches and helped her continue on her way. Since then, willow branches are an important part of the Flowers Day ritual, priests consecrating them and distributing them to Christians to spread the faith of God. The willow is the first tree to leaf out and the last to shed its leaves.
Pagan origins of Flower Day
The name of the holiday comes from the Romanian goddess of flowers and blossoming, Flora. The holiday itself has pagan origins, and it is actually adopted by Christianity from the Romans (where it was called “Floralia”), who celebrated spring, vegetation and fertility through such a day. People made wreaths of flowers, braided wreaths to decorate gates and doors with laurel branches (symbolizing heroism) or bay leaves.
Superstitions of Flower Day
There are many superstitions that have survived over time on the territory of our country. Here are some of the most resonant:
- Whoever washes his hair on Palm Sunday in unsanctified or holy water, it will turn white just like the flowers of the trees.
- It is said that the one who swallows three holy mats will not suffer from any throat disease for the rest of the year.
- Just as the weather will be on Flower Day, it will be exactly the same for Easter.
- The faithful who partakes in the morning of the Flowers can make a wish during the service, and the wish will come true.
- For young girls who are expecting their mate, it is said that basil will ensure their health and beauty, they just have to boil a few basil leaves at midnight and use the respective water to wash their hair and face.
- The consecrated willow branches taken from the church are brought home and placed at the icons, or above the doors and windows to protect the family from troubles throughout the rest of the year.
Customs and traditions of Flower Day
Flower Day marks the end of the “Mărțișor” period, so the girls who wore the red-white string on their wrists can take it off to tie it to a branch of a flowering tree.
In some parts of the country (for example in some villages in Ialomița) there is the custom of caroling during this period. The children of the village walk with the consecrated willow branches, from house to house, to share wishes of health, happiness and prosperity to all members of the community. The villagers make crowns from twigs and use them to decorate their houses.
On the eve of the holiday, the whole house needs to be clean and airy. The clothes are also aired.
On Flower Day, the Christians may eat fish, precisely to prepare the faithful for a week full of pain, the one in which the Son of God was crucified. The housewives bake braided breads that they decorate with crosses and give them as donation to the poor.
Alpin Hotel – a place where you are always welcome
Because we are in the middle of spring and a mini-vacation is welcome, we invite you to visit Poiana Brasov. During this period, nature is reborn, and the magic of green covers the idyllic landscapes, so a stay at Hotel Alpin is everything you could wish for, especially since one of the most anticipated Christian holidays is coming up.
Celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord and give yourself a few days of relaxation, peace and escape from everyday life!
We invite you to consult our Easter offer and do not hesitate to make reservations as soon as possible!
We are waiting for you,
The Alpin Hotel team
