The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH, WILLOWS ARE HANDED OUT ON PALM
SUNDAY (JULIAN CALENDER) INSTEAD OF PALMS.

Submitter comment: NO ONE REALLY KNOWS FOR SURE HOW THIS CUSTOM ORIGINATED OR WHY.
I RECALL HEARING A STORY HOWEVER, THAT SAID THE REASON WE USE
WILLOWS IS BECAUSE WILLOWS WERE LAID AT CHRIST'S FEET WHEN HE
ENTERED JERUSALEM. BOTH PUSSY WILLOWS AND WILLOWS ARE USED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM