Nowadays, hardly anyone remembers why they actually brought home the catkins. The fact that they look beautiful was a nice bonus for our ancestors. However, their symbolic meaning was much more important. As is commonly known, the rhythm of life of great-grandmothers was determined by nature.
At that time, fluffy willow inflorescences (jokingly called “cats”) were believed to have strong protective powers. In many Polish villages it was believed that with their help, performing simple tasks you can ensure your health for the whole year.
The best time to collect catkins is now in early spring in March or early April, before the willow leaves. They should already be developed, soft and silvery.
Such a plant symbolically has the most strength, vitality and “good energy”. The custom of cutting willow branches with inflorescences before Palm Sunday has survived to this day.
Catkins are a symbol of life, vitality and rebirth because they are among the first plants to appear after winter. In folk culture, they also mean hope for a new beginning.
Some still believe that after consecrating the base, they gain additional protective power and become natural guardians protecting the house from misfortune and storms. This is a remnant of old beliefs, which, however, almost no one remembers today.
Ancestors believed that the willow had strong magical properties. It was resistant and regenerated quickly after being cut down, hence why which was attributed to her with protective powers against evil, misfortune and disease.
The health rituals that were practiced were simple. Willow branches and catkins were brought to the house to protect its inhabitants and ensure their prosperity. The branches were placed in a central place in the house or behind a holy image. It was believed that “as long as they are under the roof, the family has nothing to fear.”
Some people also gently touched their necks with “kittens” to protect themselves from sore throats, and people growing plants in the garden stuck twigs into the field for a harvest.. These actions were intended to make the household members “healthy as fish” and survive the coming months safely.
