Palm Sunday

Entry into Jerusalem (Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow)

Enrique Simonet - Flevit super illam 1892

Palm-sunday

Wjatscheslaw Grigorjewitsch Schwarz 002

Engraving of Red Square & Kremlin (Moscow, 1654)

Palm sunday

Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four canonical gospels. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent.

Biblical Accounts

According to the Gospels, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, which symbolized peace, fulfilling an ancient prophecy from Zechariah (9:9). The crowds greeting him laid palm branches and cloaks across the road, giving the day its name. This act was a sign of respect and homage, and the palm branches represented goodness and victory. The event signifies Jesus's acceptance of his role as the messianic king.

Celebrations and Customs

Palm Sunday is celebrated differently around the world but commonly involves the blessing and distribution of palm leaves or branches to the congregation. In many churches, the palms are saved and burned to create ashes for the next year's Ash Wednesday services. The day is marked by processions and, in some traditions, the reading of the Passion narrative, which recounts the events leading up to Jesus's crucifixion.

Liturgical Observances

The liturgy on Palm Sunday varies among different Christian denominations. In the Roman Catholic Church, the day begins with a blessing of the palms, followed by a procession. The Mass for the day includes a reading of the Passion. Similarly, in many Protestant churches, services on Palm Sunday include the distribution of palms and a reading of the Passion narrative. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the day as the "Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem," with elaborate ceremonies including processions and the blessing of branches.

Symbolism

Palm Sunday is rich in symbolic significance. The palm branches represent victory and triumph in Christian tradition, echoing the Jewish practice of using palms as symbols of victory in other contexts. The choice of a donkey instead of a horse for Jesus's entry into Jerusalem symbolizes peace, in contrast to a horse, which was a symbol of war.

Connection to Holy Week

Palm Sunday initiates Holy Week, a time of reflection and penance in the Christian calendar, culminating in the celebration of Easter. The week includes several other significant days, including Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper; Good Friday, observing Jesus's crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, a day of vigil.

Contemporary Observances

Today, Palm Sunday is observed by millions of Christians around the world. While the specific customs and liturgical practices may vary, the day remains a solemn reminder of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of his journey to the cross.