Many French people go to church especially on this day in order to receive some box wood branches that have been blessed by the priest. These ‘rameaux’ are taken home, pinned to a crucifix in the belief that they bring protection to the house. If someone dies during the next year, the twigs are placed on the coffin. During the funeral at the church everyone is invited to come and sprinkle holy water on the coffin using the ‘rameaux’.