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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 33039, member: 636"] Orthodox Christians mark Palm Sunday on April 13, celebrating Jesus's entry into Jerusalem one week before Easter. The religious holiday remembers when Jesus rode a young donkey into the city as crowds welcomed him. People spread palm branches along his path and shouted Hosanna, a greeting normally reserved for kings. Their excitement came after Jesus had brought Lazarus back to life the previous day, which proved his divine status. For Christians, this celebration represents God's future kingdom on Earth. Russian Orthodox tradition uses willow branches instead of palm fronds because willows bloom first after winter ends. These branches symbolize new life returning after cold months. Russian believers will bless these willow branches on the Sunday before Easter, which happens on April 20 this year. The willow serves as Russia's equivalent to the palm branches mentioned in Gospel accounts. [/QUOTE]