www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization Pussywillows and Pascha

Yesterday, one of the concelebrating priests came up to me after the Divine Liturgy, tapped me on the shoulders with his pussywillows, and said, �It�s not me hitting you, it�s the pussywillow. Easter�s in six weeks!�

Have a blessed Holy Week everyone.

Bless, Father Michael!

I often thought the pussywillow was used in Slavic countries because they didn't have access to palm fronds.

And now I know that the pussywillow buds bursting forth is symbolic of Christ's Resurrection, much like the Paschal Egg!

Kissing your right hand, I again implore your blessing,

Alex

I saw on TV Sunday, the Holy Father giving his blessing to the crowds in St. Peter's Square, and I swore (well, I believe) I saw him holding pussy willows. Actually, in Italy they use olive branches. When I was in the Air Force in the early 70's I visited Hawaii on Palm Sunday. Now with all those palm trees they gave out olive branches!!!

Dear Mike,

Yes, you bring up excellent points!

Traditionally in the West, palm fronds and olive branches were tied as one for Palm Sunday.

The olive oil is a symbol of God's Grace that has been made abundant to us through the Messiah.

Christ Himself spent much time on the Mount of Olives (at the base of which there was, in His time, an olive oil press).

The religious symbolism of the pussy-willow is truly great as well.

One can make crosses with pussy-willow branches, even three-bar Crosses that should be hung up near one's icon corner throughout the year.

Alex

Since there are no palms in Poland, Roman Catholic Poles carry pussy willows or other forms of greenery to the Palm Sunday Mass. I don't know the names of all the different types of greenery, but there is a great variety.

There is also the very beautiful tradition of weaving elaborate, ornate (and sometimes very large - they can be 10 feet long or more) floral decorations mounted on a stick. They are called "palmy" but of course have nothing to do with the palm plant. Those are carried to the Palm Sunday celebration. Some villages have contests for the most elaborate.

It is the most beautiful week experienced in Poland, though there's typcially still lots of snow on the ground.

Stojgniev

Dear Stoygniev,

Actually, the Slavs simply Christianized their ancient pre-Christian usage of the pussy-willow without reference to the absence of palm fronds.

The bursting of the pussy-willow was interpreted to mean a representation of Christ's Resurrection.

I think it is a much more meaningful symbol than the palm frond, although I wouldn't be against a combination of pussy-willows, palm fronds and olive branches!

Wesolego Alleluia!

Alex

In Greece they weave the palm fronds with some lovely purple flowers which bloom around the time of Palm Sunday - most pleasant.

Incognitus

In Scandinavia and I believe in Germany they use box wood. Mike nice to see another Air Force guy in here.
Stephanos I

I saw in our local paper a picture of the Holy Father on Palm Sunday. You were right - he was holding palms and pussywillows!

Bless, Father Stephanos!

They use boxwood because in some translations of the Book of Isaiah, there is reference to boxwood - later interpreted to be one of the three types of tree-wood that went into the construction of the Cross of our Lord.

Alex

Dear Alex,
Last night in the line at confession I overheard a child asking his mother about the people who were holding olive branches and pussy-willow's at last Sunday's Mass. The mother did not know how to respond.
Having previously read your post I was able to inform her about it and also gave me an opportunity to promote our Byzantine Rite brethren to her. I told her of my experiences attending the Divine Liturgy at Sts Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church. She was amazed and said.. "Hmmm.. I'll try and go there with the family in the next couple of weeks". For her convenience, I pulled the Liturgy times from the back of my head (don't know how I remembered them) and gave them to her.

I also spoke to her about our Eastern Orthodox sister Churches.

I feel that I have a responsibility to promote our Eastern Churches just as would any other Eastern Christian.

"Ecumenism works in mysterious ways"

Brad.

Dear Brad,

Just so you know, I also try to get lapsed Latins to return to their Church!

But so many traditional RC's have been calling me of late to ask about St Peter and Paul's and our other "Anglicized" ( ) parishes that it's not funny.

At least, it probably isn't to Latin Catholics . . .

Which Pascha do you observe?

Alex

Alex,
I observe the Latin date of Pascha. Though having said that, as you know my wife is Eastern Orthodox so I'll be observing with her and her family in 5 weeks. (Can't wait for the lamb )
I kinda see it as though I have the best of both worlds.

Brad

Dear Brad,

You are like a number of our parishes here . . .

Happy Easter!

Alex

Dear Brad,

As my parish has many Orthodox/Catholic marriages, I do see you guys as being quite fortunate in being able to celebrate BOTH days! Two traditions AND two delicious meals! (You mentioned lamb--is your wife's family Greek? )

Having had an Orthodox/Catholic couple as friends when our children were young--all I can say is that if you think it is the best of two worlds for adults, JUST ask little children who get Easter egg hunts, visits from the Easter bunny, staying up late for the Resurrection and evening services,and two family get togethers with good meals!

Have a Happy and Blessed Easter #1 !

In Christ,
Alice