Four species

Okay kiddo, let me tell you all about the four species.

First, let's think about plants. You know how there are lots of different types of plants, from flowers to trees to bushes? Well, there are four specific plants that are really special to some people who celebrate a holiday called Sukkot.

The first of these plants is a palm branch. It's also called a lulav. It looks kind of like a long skinny stick with some leaves on the end. People shake the lulav in a special way during Sukkot to show their love and gratitude to God.

The second species is the myrtle branch. It has lots of little green leaves all over it. People hold the myrtle branch together with the palm branch when they shake the lulav. It's meant to symbolize the eyes and the heart.

The third species is the willow branch. It looks like a long, thin stick with droopy leaves on the end. People also hold it together with the palm branch and the myrtle branch when they shake the lulav. It's meant to symbolize the lips.

Finally, there's the citrus fruit. Usually people use an etrog, which looks like a yellow lemon. They hold it in their other hand while they're shaking the lulav. It's meant to symbolize the heart.

All of these plants together make up the four species. When people shake them during Sukkot, it reminds them of all the things they're thankful for and helps them feel closer to God.