Palm Sunday
 April 19th

 Russian Orthodox Palm Sunday, a Spring Celebration, will begin around 12 noon and  will last about an hour and a half.
The  Northern pussy-willow is the central symbol of this day instead of  green  palm. It is the first  plant to wake up  before the  snow blanket has melts and has holes,  so it is used for blessings and rituals.  People went from house
to house with blooming branches of pussy-willow. One who was  touched or  even switched with  a spring twig  would have  health and wealth. The cattle lashed with those twigs would be healthy and fertile.
But the  spring is  still not here, it is still far away. To help the  sun to come back, girls went  up on the roofs and sang special sons for birds who are believed to  bring  the sun back after the cold winter.
After the ritual part of the celebration,  we  will dance,  play, and  feast.