Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday History

Palm Sunday signifies the commencement of the Holy Week, which climaxes with Easter Sunday. The festive day is based on Gospel accounts of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where residents welcomed Him by laying palm branches in his path. The importance of Palm Sunday is recognized by Christians worldwide, and its observance highlights their anticipation for the resurrection of Christ.

The tradition of Palm Sunday goes back to the earliest days of the Christian Church. In Europe, the celebration became particularly significant during the Middle Ages. Several cultures and communities across the European Union have woven their own unique traditions into the tapestry of Palm Sunday observance, alluding to the diverse ways in which the essential narrative of Christianity has merged with local customs. For example, in Spain and Italy, processions take place where participants carry palm fronds, reenacting Christ's entry into Jerusalem, a tradition prevalent since medieval times that reinforces common Christian values as well as country's cultural richness.

Palm Sunday is typically observed by EU nations with processions, church services, and distribution of blessed palm fronds, which may be fashioned into crosses. Many European Union citizens have retained the practice of placing these blessed palm decorations in their homes or premises as tokens of protection and blessing. While the date may vary depending on the denomination of Christianity, Palm Sunday usually falls on the Sunday before Easter and is always the final Sunday of Lent.

Facts about Palm Sunday

• Crowds of people welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem, throwing their cloaks on his path and waving palm branches (John 12:19, Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11). It was similar to the reception that Caesar, the emperor of Rome, would receive. Caesar was considered God amongst Romans, and this event not only underscored Jesus' divinity and kingship, it was an act of treason in Roman society.
  
• The colt that Jesus rode on into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-44) was said to fulfill prophecy from the Old Testament about the Messiah, the savior of Israel. The Old Testament scripture he fulfilled is Zechariah 9:9: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
• Palm Sunday is celebrated in virtually every Christian church. It marks Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem before he was persecuted, crucified, and resurrected. The observation occurs toward the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and preparation meant to create reflection on Christ's suffering. Palm Sunday is traditionally the beginning of Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday and Good Friday services, as well as Easter Vigil services on Saturday and Easter Sunday.
• In countries like Finland and Sweden, it's a tradition for children to dress up as Easter witches and go door to-door in their neighborhoods, trading decorated willow branches for sweets or coins, similar to "trick or treat" tradition during Halloween
• In Lithuania and Poland, people not only carry palm branches, but create special "Easter Palms" made of colorful dried flowers and branches. These can be very tall and intricate in design. The tallest palm can even reach up to 30 meters.

In the News and Trending in the EU for Palm Sunday

Top things to do in the EU for Palm Sunday

• Offer somebody a palm as an act of reconciliation or forgiveness. It is a common tradition among many Italian Catholics.
• Attend Holy Week Processions in Seville, Spain: This is one of Europe's most visually striking ceremonies for Palm Sunday where processions of ornate floats, masked penitents, and marching bands make their way through the streets in a tradition that dates back centuries.
• Take part in the Holy Week in Valladolid, Spain: The Holy Week in Valladolid is one of the most traditional and emotional Palm Sunday celebrations. It is known for its Passion Procession featuring works from the best Spanish sculptors.