In the beginning, there was no winter on Earth.
Over time, however, snow blanketed the land and a cold, freezing air descended upon the vegetation. The trees became confused and fearful, convinced that they might perish. God gathered the arbors from the sky and ordered them to wait there until the time came for them to be summoned back to the Earth. The gentle light and warmth above filled them with joy, and they burst into bloom.
Curious about what had become of the people and the Earth in her absence, the Willow grew impatient and furtively peered downward. She found the earth pleasantly warm. Realizing that the people had been searching for the trees, the Willow returned to the Earth. In her descent, everyone marveled at the beautiful white flowers that had blossomed in the sky. Yet, as punishment for her impatience, all her flowers transformed into twigs, the first buds of spring.
2) When the Mother of God mourned the loss of her Son, the Willow felt deep compassion and began to weep. Touched by her sorrow, the Mother of God blessed the Willow, decreeing that its wood should never be turned into coal.