Polish legend says that on Palm Sunday Jesus visited a forest, bare of any foliage because of the harsh winter temperatures. Jesus commanded his angels to bring pussy willows to the woods, as the first blooms of spring.
Early during Lent, the people bring the pussy willow branches into the house, place them in water, and wait for them to bloom so they can be used on Palm Sunday.
On Easter Monday in Poland, pussy willows are used in Dyngus Day celebrations, marking the end of Lent. Pussy willows have become a symbol for the resurrection and everlasting life.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw