Palm Sunday is a Christian festival observed on the Sunday before Easter in celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as described in the books of Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. Christians celebrate this day by distributing blessed palm branches which can be substituted by branches of other trees including bor, olive, willow and yew in areas where the climate isn’t favorable to the growth of palm trees. Psalm Sunday marks the start of the Holy Week.
The origin of Palm Sunday dates back to the period around the raising of Lazarus from the dead which is found in the Gospel of John, one of the Canonical books. According to Christian theologians, the triumphant entry of the son of God into Jerusalem is prophetically described in Zachariah, 9:9 of the Old Testament and refers to Jesus as the King of Israel as declared by the people. Based on the Gospels, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, and people celebrated him by lying down their cloaks and branches of trees along his path while singing Psalms 118:25-26 and praising his name. According to Eastern traditions, the donkey symbolizes peace, meaning Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem marked the entrance of the Prince of Peace. In contrast, horses represented an animal of war, a king going to war would use a horse. Luke 19:41 states that, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, He looked at the city and wept, which foretold his coming passion and the suffering He would endure while in the city.
In the past, especially in the Near East, it was customary to cover the path of people held in high regard or thought worthy of the highest honour. A good example includes Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, according to the Hebrew Bible, 2 Kings 9:13 was treated in this manner. Additionally, both the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John mention that Jesus also received this treatment. However, according to the Synoptic Gospels, people placed their attires and rushes (herbaceous plants that resemble grass) while the Gospel of John specifies the use of palms. In many cultural and religious celebrations, including Sukkot and Greco-Roman culture, palm branches represented triumph and victory as well as the mark of rejoicing as mentioned in Leviticus 23:40. It is noteworthy to say that before the 13th century, Jesus’ ‘triumphant’ entry into Jerusalem was not considered as such, the more so because traditionally in ancient Egyptian tradition, the palm was used during funeral processions to represent eternal life. In later years, palm branches became the symbol for Christian martyrs and spiritual victory.
Today, Palm Sunday is part of the twelve great feasts in the liturgical calendar. On the day before Palm Sunday also referred to as Lazarus Saturday, Christians generally prepare palm fronds by making them into crosses while awaiting the procession on Sunday. Other traditions include changing the hangings and vestments in the church with more festive colours, mostly green. In the Roman and Ukrainian Orthodox Churches, along with Polish, Bavarian and Austrian Catholic Churches and other Eastern European communities, the use of willow as a substitute for palm fronds is common. However, there is no mention or requirement on what type of branch to use in the Canonical Gospels. Some Christian communities even believe that olive branches should be used. Whatever the kind of branches used, they should be blessed and issued along with candles during the All-Night Vigil, or before the Divine Liturgy on the D-day. The entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is symbolized by the Great Entrance of the Divine Liturgy, a meaningful moment among the faithful, which is honoured through standing and holding the branches together with illuminated candles. During 1558 and 1693, donkey walk processions were common in various cities including Novgorod and Moscow in Russia. Back then, the patriarch of Moscow would ride on a ‘donkey’ from the Kremlin to the Trinity Church, now Saint Basil’s Cathedral. However, in the 1720s this tradition was abolished but has been occasionally revived in the 21st century.
In Western Christianity, palm branches were traditionally a symbol of goodness and victory. In ancient times, the palm branches were carved into coins and important buildings, including the temples as depicted by King Solomon in 1 Kings 6:29. And in Revelations 7:9, people raised palm branches in honour of Jesus. Palm Sunday celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Mathew 21:1-9) before His arrest on Holy Thursday and crucifixion on Good Friday and marks the start of the Holy Week which is the last week of Lent Period which began on Ash Wednesday. In Western Christianity, similar to Eastern Christianity, the palm fronds are blessed outside the church building in what is referred to as the “blessing of palms” followed by a solemn procession by the whole congregation. In the Episcopal and Catholic Churches, Palm Sunday coincides with Passion Sunday, the primary focus of the Mass after the palms festival.
In most cases, the palms are preserved and burned on Shrove Tuesday the following year to produce the ashes used during the Ash Wednesday service. Among Catholic congregants, the blessed palms are sacramental and the vestments used are deep scarlet red to symbolize the passion and resurrection of Jesus in Jerusalem. In many Anglican, Lutheran and Episcopal Churches, Palm Sunday may be referred to as “The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday” to evade any confusion with the second last Sunday of Lent, also referred to as the Passion of Christ. Different churches observe their own traditions to commemorate this day, for instance, in the Church of Pakistan, congregants carry branches into the church while singing Psalms 24.
Although one of the most common rituals that has existed for centuries includes the provision of fresh palm leaves, processions, and candles, other traditions have also emerged over the years around the world.
Belgium
In Belgium, more specifically Hoegaarden, annual processions are held with a fellowship of 12 disciples carrying a wooden statue of Jesus around the town and children go door to door issuing palms for coins. This is also a common practice in Syria.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, Palm Sunday is also referred to as Flower’s Day and people with related flower names celebrate this day in honour of their names.
England
During the 15th and 17th centuries, Palm Sunday was marked by burning Jack-o-Lent figures—a straw model. The Jack-o-Lent figures were stoned and abused and later burned during Ash Wednesday to symbolize some kind of revenge on Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, as well as winter destruction which paved the way for spring.
Ethiopia
On this day, Orthodox Ethiopians celebrate by blessing and distributing palm leaves which are used to create ornaments such as rings and crucifixes. This day is also called Hosanna.
Finland
In Finland, a common practice consists of children dressing up as Easter Witches and visiting all the neighbours to trade willow branches for candy and coins while chanting.
India
In India, most Catholic Churches distribute already blessed palm branches after the holy mass which may be folded into crosses and kept on the altar until the next Ash Wednesday. Other traditions include scattering flowers around the sanctuary of this religious holiday during the reading of the Gospel.
Italy
In Italy, palm branches along with olive branches are placed on house entrances and kept there until the coming Palm Sunday during the following year.
Latvia
In Latvia, this religious holiday is also known as Pussy Willow Sunday, and the pussy willow branches are used to represent new life.
Lithuania
Traditionally, Lithuanians spend Lazarus Saturday choosing and cutting branches which are then decorated with flowers.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, more specifically the Saxon areas, candy and bread in the form of a rooster are used to decorate crosses. In other dioceses including Groningen-Leeuwarden, processions with oil lamps are held on the eve of Palm Sunday.
Philippines
During the morning procession, a model of Christ riding a donkey is transferred into the local church in the morning. Congregants swarm the route and wave woven palm branches. In the town plaza, churches or houses, angel-dressed children disperse flowers while singing, this is then followed by mass. The blessed palm branches are then taken home and placed on doorways, windows, and the altars as a symbol of welcoming Jesus into their homes. The scattered flowers are added to rice seeds that are being planted with the belief that they bring a bountiful harvest.
Poland
In Poland, artificial palm competitions are popular and the biggest in length wins. In 2008, the biggest was 33.39 meters.
Spain
In Spain, locals cover palm branches from sunlight to allow them to whiten and then braid them into unique shapes at the Palmeral of Elche.
Wales
In Wales, Palm Sunday is also referred to as Flowering Sunday. On this day, citizens in industrial towns and villages use flowers to decorate graves.
Malta
In Malta, both palm and olive branches are blessed by all the parishes in Malta and Gozo during Palm Sunday celebrations. Another tradition includes placing the blessed branches on the statues of Good Friday.
Palm Sunday, also referred to as Branch Sunday, Yew Sunday or Entry into Jerusalem marks the start of the holy week and Jesus’ journey to His crucifixion. This day falls on the 6th Sunday of Lent period and the Sunday before Easter. Palm Sunday is observed across all Christian countries and denominations including, Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. Today, most palm Sunday traditions are similar to ancient traditions with minor changes here and there depending on the country or region.
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