Four species

What the plants are

The ritual requires four distinct botanical items mentioned in Leviticus. These include the etrog, which is a citron fruit; the lulav, a closed date palm frond; the hadass, myrtle branches; and the aravah, willow twigs. Each plant comes from a different environment within Israel, such as coastal plains, valleys, or mountains. Together, they represent the diversity of the land and its resources.

How the ritual works

Participants bind the three branch types together around the central lulav. They then hold this bundle alongside the etrog fruit. After reciting a blessing, they wave the combined items in six directions: forward, backward, upward, downward, and toward both sides. This motion acknowledges divine presence throughout the universe. The ceremony takes place in synagogues or private homes during daylight hours.

Historical context

In ancient Jerusalem, these plants were waved daily inside the Temple. After the Temple's destruction, Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai extended the practice to all communities for every day of the holiday. This change ensured the tradition remained a living memorial to past worship. Later campaigns by Chabad helped spread the practice globally, encouraging even distant Jews to participate.

Symbolic meanings

The four plants symbolize different types of people within the community. Some have knowledge but lack good deeds, while others perform good deeds without study. Others lack both, and some possess both qualities. Binding them together teaches that unity is essential for spiritual service. The plants also resemble parts of the human body, representing a commitment of the whole self.

How Four species is kept

People gather the four specified plants and bind the branches together. They hold the bundle and the fruit while saying a prayer. Then they wave the items in six directions to show reverence. This happens in synagogues or at home during the holiday. Women may choose to do it, though it is not mandatory. The ritual includes processions around the sanctuary on most days.

When and where

It occurs during the seven days of Sukkot. The only exception is Shabbat, when the ritual is not performed. The timing aligns with the autumn harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The practice originated in Jerusalem's Temple. Today it is kept worldwide by Jewish communities. Historically, it was common in Israel and North African regions like Morocco where the plants grew locally.

What Four species means

The plants represent the unity of diverse Jewish individuals. Each type stands for a different spiritual profile, showing that everyone has a role. Waving them in all directions signifies God's control over the entire world. The act also recalls the human body, linking physical action to spiritual intent.

Days Four species is marked

Questions people ask about Four species

See also

PassoverA Jewish spring festival celebrating freedom from slavery with ritual mealsSukkotA seven-day autumn Jewish festival of temporary booths, harvest prayers and hospitalityHoly FireA fire ceremony in Jerusalem each year, kept by Orthodox Christians before EasterShavuotA late-spring Jewish festival of the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah

Good reading and sources

• Four species on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.