The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE PUSSY WILLOW WHIP

IN THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH THERE IS A CUSTOM ON PALM SUNDAY
(THE DAY PUSSY WILLOWS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE BYZANTINE RITE)
WHICH CONSISTS OF HITTING EACH OTHER WITH PUSSY WILLOWS. THE
MEANING BEING THAT SINCE PUSSY WILLOWS REPRESENT THE FIRST SIGN
OF SPRING (BEGINNING OF LIFE) PEOPLE HIT EACH OTHER WITH THEM TO
SYMBOLIZE GOOD HEALTH AND PROSPERITY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

Date learned: 11-02-1969