Palm Sunday is among Christianity’s holiest days and marks the beginning of Holy Week. The day commemorates Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and falls on the last Sunday of Lent (the Sunday before Easter). Palm Sunday is sometimes also known by the names Passion Sunday, Willow Sunday, Blossom Sunday, Branch Sunday, and Fig Sunday.
What is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is the last Sunday of Lent (sixth Sunday of Lent), the Sunday before Easter, the beginning of Holy Week, and remembers the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. The day sets in motion the events leading to Jesus’ Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection.
Palm Sunday honors the glorious entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover (a Jewish spring celebration that recognizes the freedom of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery). The Christian holy books record the landing of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the huge crowds spread their shrouds and palm branches on the city streets and yelled these words to respect him as their eagerly anticipated Savior and Lord:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
The day of Jesus’ glorious entry into Jerusalem where he was warmly welcomed by a large crowd is known as Palm Sunday. Other names of this day include Passion Sunday, Fig Sunday, Willow Sunday, Blossom Sunday, Branch Sunday, and The Triumphal Entry.
Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday (Holy Week Days) |
|||||
| Holy Week Day | Significance | ||||
| Palm Sunday | Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem | ||||
| Holy Monday | Cursing of the Fig Tree – Temple Cleansing – Jesus Authority Questioned | ||||
| Holy Tuesday | Commemorates the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the talents | ||||
| Holy Wednesday | Commemorates the Bargain of Judas and the Parable of the Two Debtors | ||||
| Holy Thursday | Commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ | ||||
| Holy Friday | Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ | ||||
| Holy Saturday | Marks the day Jesus’ body lay in the tomb and the Harrowing of Hell | ||||
| Easter Sunday | Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead | ||||
What Happened on Palm Sunday?
While Jesus was on earth he taught everyone about God’s love and healed people of their sicknesses. He did many miracles like calming storms and even raising people from the dead. At this time, the Jewish people were celebrating a festival called Passover that had been celebrated since the time of Moses when God brought his people out of Egypt. So Jesus was going to Jerusalem to celebrate.
Jesus and His disciples stopped in the town and Jesus told two of his disciples to go on ahead of them. He told them to go into a nearby village and that they would see a young donkey that no one had ever ridden. He told them to untie it and bring it to him if anyone asks what are you doing he told them to just say the Lord needs it and will return it soon. He even told them exactly where the owner, at last, tied it up. So the disciples did what Jesus said and brought him the donkey. The disciples threw their coats on its back like a saddle and Jesus climbed up.
*Fact check: A long time ago before Jesus was even born God had said that the Savior the king of Israel would come to Israel in this way and now Jesus was doing just as God had said.
The news that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem swept through the city. Many heard about all the amazing things he had done, so they cut palm branches and ran to see him. The Pharisees and religious rulers realized that there was nothing they could do, for everyone was going to see Jesus.
Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem and the crowd spread their cloaks on the road ahead of him and his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. The people laid their coats and tree branches on the road to make a path for Jesus. So Jesus rode the donkey like he was a one-man parade and the crowds praised Jesus by yelling things like “blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” and “Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest” because they believed Jesus was the rescuer.
The Pharisees were upset and they asked Jesus to stop the people from saying things like that. But Jesus said, if they keep quiet the stones along the road would burst into tears. So the people kept on singing “blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord, Praise God in highest heaven”.
The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered, asking who is this and the crowds replied it’s Jesus, and Jesus rode the donkey through the street of Jerusalem to the temple in a triumphal entry just as God said he would many years before.
Fact check: Around 500 years before Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah had predicted the event that is today celebrated as Palm Sunday. “Celebrate incredibly, Daughter Zion! – Yell, Little girl Jerusalem – See, your king comes to you – honorable and victorious – humble and riding on a donkey – on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). The prediction was fulfilled in each specific, and it was, in reality, a period of rejoicing, as Jerusalem warmly welcomed their King.
Palm Sunday 2022: Calendar & Observances
Have a look at the complete date and time details for this year’s Palm Sunday. Learn when is Palm Sunday in Catholic, Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches. Also shared are the reflections and readings for the latest Palm Sunday that will fall this year.
Palm Sunday Dates in Western Christianity: Catholic – Episcopal – Protestant Churches
Palm Sunday 2022 Catholic date is Sunday, 5 April.
Palm Sunday Catholic Calendar (-2025) |
||||
| Year | Day | Date | Event Name | Type |
| Sunday | 25 March | Palm Sunday | Catholic | |
| Sunday | 14 April | Palm Sunday | Catholic | |
| Sunday | 5 April | Palm Sunday | Catholic | |
| Sunday | 28 March | Palm Sunday | Catholic | |
| 2022 | Sunday | 10 April | Palm Sunday | Catholic |
| 2023 | Sunday | 2 April | Palm Sunday | Catholic |
| 2024 | Sunday | 24 March | Palm Sunday | Catholic |
| 2025 | Sunday | 13 April | Palm Sunday | Catholic |
Palm Sunday Dates in Eastern Christianity: Orthodox – Greek Orthodox – Russian Orthodox Churches
- Palm Sunday Orthodox 2022 date is Sunday,Feb 3.
- Palm Sunday Greek Orthodox 2022 date is Sunday, Feb 3.
- Palm Sunday Russian Orthodox 2022 date is Sunday, Feb 3
Palm Sunday Orthodox Calendar (-2025) |
||||
| Year | Day | Date | Event Name | Type |
| Sunday | 1 April | Palm Sunday | Orthodox | |
| Sunday | 21 April | Palm Sunday | Orthodox | |
| Sunday | 12 April | Palm Sunday | Orthodox | |
| Sunday | 25 April | Palm Sunday | Orthodox | |
| 2022 | Sunday | 17 April | Palm Sunday | Orthodox |
| 2023 | Sunday | 9 April | Palm Sunday | Orthodox |
| 2024 | Sunday | 28 April | Palm Sunday | Orthodox |
| 2025 | Sunday | 13 April | Palm Sunday | Orthodox |
Palm Sunday Reflection 2022: The Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
God speaks to us in several ways, even by reading the Sunday scriptures. The Palm Sunday Reflection provides useful insight into the readings of Sunday Scripture and helps you to connect Scripture with everyday life in a meaningful manner.
The Blessing and Procession of Palms: Luke 19: 28-40
The account of Jesus ‘ entry into Jerusalem in Luke is typical of his gospel and depicts the coming of a Savior of peace. The ancient king roamed horses on the way to war, and the entry into Jerusalem with a donkey showed that Jesus had come to exercise his kingdom of peace and service. The crowds that warmly welcome Jesus into the city greet him with words similar to the angels ‘ song in the narrative of Luke’s nativity: “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Another unique feature of Lunacy is that when Jesus enters Jerusalem, the people do not wave palm branches. The crows of Luke put their most valuable clothing on the ground to honor Jesus, their cloaks. Luke’s holy poor put all they have at their Messiah’s service.
The Passion: Luke 22: 14 – 23: 56
Luke’s Jesus preached the pleasure of humble servant all throughout his Gospel. Jesus shows the same great generosity, forgiveness, and self – sacrifice in his final hours for the sake of the others. Jesus heals the severed ears of the servant of the high priest only in Luke’s account of his passion. He did not reproach his disciples during the garden watching for falling asleep.
He urged women at Jerusalem not to worry about him, but about themselves: what horrors would an unrepentant (dry) Jerusalem await if that injustice could come upon the innocent Jesus?
In the square of the skull, the Crucifixion of Jesus becomes an opportunity for divine forgiveness: he prays for God to forgive his executors and he has promised the repentant thief with him a paradise.
Even the final words of Jesus on the cross are not words of desertion but of hope: Luke’s Crucified does not cry out Psalm 22 but prays in the words of Psalm 31:5 – 6, “Father, in your hands, I commend my spirit.” Jesus of Luke is the Servant of suffering whose death will be exalted three days later in his resurrection for humanity’s sake.
Reading 1: Isaiah 50: 4-7
The first reading takes from “Servant Songs” of Deutero-Isaiah, the prediction of a prophet who will come to the redemption of the servant of God. In this third song, the servant is depicted by Jesus as a devout professor of the Word of God who is laughed at and abused by those who are threatened by his doctrine.
Reading 2: Philippians 2: 6-11
Paul quotes from the early Christian hymn in his letter to the Christian community in Philips in the Northeast of Greece (Reading 2). Just as Christ has “emptied himself” totally and selflessly to accept the crucifixion, so we need to “empty” ourselves for others.
Palm Sunday Reflection:
Today’s Palm Sunday liturgy has some incongruity. We begin with a festive sense — we have branches of palm and echo the Hosannas that the people of Jerusalem cried out as Jesus entered the city.
But Luke’s account of Passion brings us face to face with the brutality, injustice, and egotism that led to Jesus ‘ crucifixion. We accept the victorious Christ, the Palm Sunday Christ, but we turn away from the suffering Christ and the needy, the Good Friday Christ.
These palm branches symbolize the incongruity that mostly exists between the belief which we proclaim on our lips and the belief which we proclaim in our lives. In his story about the death of Jesus, Luke portrays a Christ of incredible love and compassion, who pardons all who betray and destroy him, who consoles the sorrows of all those who lament at him.
The broken but life-giving Body of Jesus Crucified invites us to accept that “attitude” of Christ so that all the broken members of his body may receive the same healing, reconciliation, and hope.
In his passion and death the Gospel invites us to adopt what Paul calls the “attitude of Christ Jesus” (Reading 1): to “emptize ourselves” from our own personal interests, fears, and needs for other people’s sakes; to understand how our actions will affect them and how our social and moral choices have an impact on the good of the people. To strive to help heal the hurt and comfort the desperate around us, despite our betrayal.
Jesus will reverse our world and our value system in our memory of the Holy Week events: real authority is the service devoted to others and generosity, greatness is the center of humility, justness, and love will be magnified by God in God’s time.
The Palm Sunday ceremony today stands up to us with the reality of the crucifixion of Christ: by the cross we are reconciled to God; by the crucifixion our lives turn into the ideal love of Christ; through the crucifixion, the soul of quietude and sympathy of Jesus turns into the strength of hope and recreation for our miserable world.
Palm Sunday Readings 2022: Walk Through Happy Palm Sunday With Reminders of Delight!
Welcome Palm Sunday with Palm Sunday readings focused on the occasion encompassing the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, his Passion, death, and Resurrection. Walk through the Happy Palm Sunday with reminders of delight and harmony we have because of Jesus. Celebrate this Palm Sunday with these readings:
Gospel at the Procession with Palms
Luke 19:28-40
Jesus sends his disciples for a colt and then rides into Jerusalem.
First Reading
Isaiah 50:4-7
The Lord’s Servant will stand firm, even when persecuted.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 22:8-9,17-20,23-24
A cry for help to the Lord in the face of evildoers.
Second Reading
Philippians 2:6-11
Christ was obedient even to death, but God has exalted him.
Gospel Reading
Luke 22:14—23:56 (shorter form: Luke 23:1-49)
From the cross, Jesus speaks words of forgiveness and promises that the good thief will be with him in paradise.
Palm Sunday: Importance & Significance
The people of Jerusalem on that historic and significant Sunday knew special things about Jesus. Some had seen His wonders, some knew Him by reputation, while others had heard His incredible lessons and teachings. But at His strong revelation of divine goodness, every individual had the chance to acknowledge or dismiss Jesus as their king.
In the week that pursued his glorious entry into Jerusalem, Jesus Christ expressed His role as Hero through his suffering and after that his crucifixion on Holy Good Friday followed by his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Through these occasions, he made this workable for all people to be excused of sins, to be resurrected, and to discover enduring joy and harmony.
Have a look at some of the major points which make Palm Sunday incredibly important:
-
A Claim To Sovereignty with A Bold Statement
In those times, the donkey represented Jewish royalty and meant harmony, while the horse symbolized battle. Arriving in Jerusalem on a horse may have been seen by the Roman government as a threat to their dominion. By arriving in the city on a donkey symbolized peace and royalty. This way Jesus transparently announced Himself the King of kings and Ruler of Peace to the Jewish people without showing any signs of antagonism or violence to Roman rule. His claim of sovereignty was a striking statement—and the issue that crosses over into intolerability for the envious Jewish leadership. They met that day, conspiring to silence Jesus and discredit His claim to be the Child of God.
-
Public Respect & Acknowledgement
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, the huge crowds warmly welcomed him by carpeting his way with coats and palm fronds. Everyone honored Jesus and demonstrated their acknowledgment of Him as their king. Their yells of “Hosanna to the Son of David” – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” – “Hosanna in the highest!” clearly indicated that the general population has recognized Jesus as the long-anticipated Messiah and their Savior.
-
A Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy & Predictions
The centrality of Jesus Christ riding a donkey and having his route paved with palm branches, palm leaves, and coats was a fulfillment of prophecy expressed by the prophet Zechariah. “Celebrate incredibly, Daughter Zion! – Yell, Little girl Jerusalem – See, your king comes to you – honorable and victorious – humble and riding on a donkey – on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9)
Other than Jesus’ predicted entry on a donkey, the expressions of recognition articulated by the huge number of people also resounded old sacred texts. Through their yells of “Hosanna” which means “Save, we pray”, the people perceived Jesus as the Lord and Savior.
The Apostle John also predicted these events. He recorded: “These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him and that they had done these things unto him” (John 12:16)
Palm Sunday: Celebrations, Customs & Traditions
Palm Sunday is the yearly festival of the day that marks Jesus’ triumphal victory in Jerusalem. It is depicted in each of the four Gospels. Matthew 21:1-9 tells us how the people of that time welcomed Jesus by laying their coats and palm tree leaves on the road to make a path for Jesus. Today in many Christian congregations, a parade is formed and everyone walks in a procession through the area before entering the church.
During the Medieval times, Palm Sunday was observed by the burning of straw effigies of Judas Iscariot, which would then be stoned. People followed this custom as a reprimand of the unfaithful disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ.
Palm Sunday in the Catholic Church is celebrated by pastors wearing red, the color of blood, showing the preeminent redemptive sacrifice Jesus was entering the city to carry out. Many Catholic Churches celebrate Palm Sunday by having the congregation carry branches of palm, olive, and spruce. These blessed tree branches are later hung up in houses for good fortunes, buried to protect crops, or used to decorate graves.
Palm Sunday in the Orthodox Church and some eastern European churches is celebrated by the people waving the pillow willow branches rather than palm branches due to the expensive cost of purchasing palm branches. The Orthodox believers welcome the priest by standing and hold these blessed branches and lit candles. They then take the branches and candles home and keep them as a blessing.
In some countries, there are donkey walk parades held on Palm Sunday. In India and Pakistan, palm fronds are distributed at church fronts at the sanctuary steps and marigolds are scattered inside the sanctuary.
Celebrating Palm Sunday with processions is also a common custom in many places. For example in Spain, where processions start from Palm Sunday and continue throughout the Holy Week, and Rome where there’s a large procession on Palm Sunday. These processions depict the Passion of Christ, which alludes to Jesus’ suffering before his trial and crucifixion. Piazzas in front of churches all through Italy are crowded with people, including vendors selling tree branches of palm and olive.
Palm Sunday in the United States is usually a calm day at church. Congregations distribute palm fronds and the pastor delivers an incredible lesson on that special day when Jesus returned to Jerusalem and got such an upbeat welcome.
Palm Sunday In Eastern Christianity: Orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Russian Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Church
Palm Sunday in Orthodox Churches is sometimes known as the “Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem”. It is among the Twelve Great Feasts of the liturgical year. On Lazarus Saturday (the day before Palm Sunday in Orthodox Churches), believers get ready for the Palm Sunday procession by gathering palm fronds and knotting them into crosses. The hangings and vestment in Orthodox churches are changed to a festive color, usually green.
On the Sunday before the Feast of Great and Holy Pascha and at the start of Holy Week or Passion Week, the Orthodox Church commands it’s most joyous feasts of the year. Palm Sunday in Orthodox Church is the celebration of Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem following his sublime marvel of raising Lazarus from the dead.
Palm Sunday in the Russian Orthodox Church, Ruthenian Catholic Church, Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Catholic Church, Austrian, Polish, and Bavarian Roman Catholics, is celebrated by using pussy willow rather than palm fronds because the latter is not available in these places. Furthermore, there’s no hard and fast rule with respect to what sort of branches must be used.
Whatever the type, these branches are blessed and distributed along with the candles either during the All-Night Vigil on Saturday night, or sometimes before the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday morning. On Palm Sunday, everyone holds their blessed branches and lit candles, and later store them in their homes as an evloghia (blessing).
Palm Sunday in the Oriental Orthodox Church is celebrated by distributing palm fronts at the front of the church at the sanctuary steps. In India, the sanctuary is strewn with marigolds.
Palm Sunday, also known as Hosanna in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church marks the last week of the lent liturgy. The day is a celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey. The day is called Hosanna because the youngsters in Jerusalem sang Hosanna applauding Jesus Christ.
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Palm Sunday is celebrated in a little different manner. The people here wear cube-shaped palm rings and palm stripes on the head. The last week in Ethiopia is known as “himamat” which relates to “Passion Week”. The liturgy for the week is somewhat unique and accentuates the encounters of Jesus prompting Golgotha where he was crucified.
Palm Sunday in Western Christianity: Catholic Church, Episcopal Church, Protestant Church
Palm Sunday in the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican and Lutheran congregations is observed by the ‘blessing of palms’, which means blessing of palm fronds with an aspergillum outside the church building. A Palm Sunday procession likewise takes place, and usually incorporate the entire assembly.
In the Episcopal Church and Catholic Church, Palm Sunday coincides with that of Passion Sunday, which is the focal point of the Mass which follows the palms festival. The palms are saved in churches to be scorched on Shrove Tuesday the upcoming year to be used as ashes for the Ash Wednesday services. The Catholic Church views the blessed palms as holy. The theme for the Palm Sunday in Catholic Church is deep scarlet red, the color of blood, demonstrating the supreme redemptive sacrifice Jesus Christ was entering the city to conduct: his Passion and Resurrection.
Palm Sunday in Episcopal Churches, Anglican Churches, and Lutheran Churches is known as “The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday”. In the churches of Pakistan, the believers on Palm Sunday bring with them palm branches into the church and enchant Psalm 24.
In Protestant Churches, kids are given palms and then walk in Palm Sunday procession around within the church.
Palm Sunday: Church Services, Mass Details, Mass Timings
Palm Sunday Mass is a bit different from other Sunday Masses. What usually happens is, palms are laid out on a table in the entrance to the church; you needn’t bring your own. The Palm Sunday Mass usually averages about an hour (60 minutes) or more. Unlike a normal Sunday Mass which lasts for 45 minutes, the Palm Sunday Mass takes more time because of the long Gospel reading.
At the beginning of Mass, the priest may stand in the doorway to the church (or the people may assemble elsewhere; outside or another building on the parish campus), read the Gospel about Jesus entering Jerusalem in triumph. Then he will bless the palms. A brief procession occurs, then Mass proceeds normally.
For the reading of the Passion, there are usually four groups. The priest speaks the words of Our Lord, a lector reads the narrative passages, another lector speaks the words that were said by singular people, and the rest of the people — you and me — speak the words uttered by the crowd. (It is humbling to hear yourself say “Crucify Him, crucify Him” liturgically on this day and realize that you do the same thing — and mean it — every time you commit sin.)
The reading of the Passion usually takes a great deal of time; as a result, Palm Sunday is one of the longest liturgies of the year. Only the Easter Vigil ordinarily takes more time.
After the reading of the Passion, Mass and Communion proceed as normal at Sunday Mass. At the end of Mass, you can take your blessed palm home with you. (Palms can be returned to the church before next year’s Ash Wednesday, as they are used to make the ashes. Or you may keep them as a sacramental in your home, or dispose of it by burning it. Since the blessed palms are sacramentals, they should in no way be disposed of in the trash as common refuse.)
Palm Sunday: Public Life & Holiday
Palm Sunday always falls on a Sunday, so obviously it’s a holiday and non-working day. Palm Sunday celebrations such as processions and donkey walks may affect traffic in some towns and cities.
Christians all over the world celebrate Palm Sunday with great enthusiasm and fervor. Palm fronds and olive branches are carried by Christians because according to the Gospels, Jesus’ believers covered his path in palm fronds and leaves when he entered Jerusalem. At the end of the day, these blessed branches are hung up in houses for good fortune.
In numerous temples, gatherers turn palms into the state of a cross to celebrate the day, or utilize different branches if palms are not actually accessible – in a few places, churchyards are strewn with flowers. The occasion is often celebrated with a Palm Sunday procession.
In a few assemblies, the palms are burned toward the finish of Palm Sunday and the fiery debris are saved to use on Ash Wednesday of the next year. However, the majority of all, Palm Sunday implies the start of Lent last week — and the start of Holy Week or Passion Week followed by some very important days such as Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
Palm Sunday: Symbols, Icon, Color
There are different symbols that are connected with Palm Sunday’s day. Here we have demonstrated a look at these different Palm Sunday symbols that have been used since centuries, and across continents. Beginning from the palm fronds to the donkey, we have tried to mention everything with a brief description of each.
Palms:
When Jesus entered Jerusalem for his final week, we all know people of that time laid palm branches, palm leaves, and palm fronds on his way. This wasn’t intended to be an obstruction to Jesus, but laying palm leaves before one’s path represented a great deal of respect and honor during that time. Palms were also a sign of victory. They were used to greet returning king and soldiers following a victory.
Today, palm fronds are distributed among people of Christian faith on Palm Sunday. These palms are taken into the church where every one of the individuals gets their palms blessed with holy water. Once blessed, these blessed palms are kept as a blessing in homes or returned to the church to be burned for ashes to be smeared on people’s foreheads on Ash Wednesday the next year.
Hosanna:
Today, “Hosanna” is chanted by the people of Christian faith on Palm Sunday. Hosanna signifies “Save Now” and is the word that the people that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem yelled upon his entry. They chanted “Hosanna” as an approach to both respect him and to ask for help, as they considered Jesus as their Savior and Messiah. In current times, Palm Sunday service often includes hymns with the entire congregation singing “Hosanna” in celebration.
Donkey:
From the above mentioned Palm Sunday story, we have read that Jesus rode into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This is because in those times Donkey represented Jewish royalty and symbolized peace and harmony, while the horse symbolized battle and aggression. By entering the city on a donkey, Jesus declared Himself the Ruler of Peace to the Jewish people without showing any signs of violence to Roman rule.
Scarlet Red:
The official color for Palm Sunday is deep scarlet red, the color of blood. Why? Pretty straightforward, the red represents the blood that Jesus Christ is about to shed in the upcoming days. Today, Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, and the red color symbolizes his death on the cross on Good Friday.
Figs:
In some regions, Palm Sunday is known by the name of Fig Sunday. Secondly, figs are a traditionally eaten fruit on Palm Sunday. This is because of a tradition that maintains that Jesus Christ cursed a fig tree that would not bear any fruit, and that he ate figs after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Today dried figs are often eaten on Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday: Lessons & Teachings For Today’s People
Palm Sunday for today’s world is all about being grateful to Jesus Christ for adoring us. It approaches us to look to cherish God in return. The day instructs us that the Passion of Jesus is an account of love. It teaches us that when faced with challenges in life, we might not have any of our friends by our side to shield us And that we should not expect too much from our friends. If our friends remain by us, then it’s our good luck, otherwise, we should be well prepared to tackle our challenges alone.
Palm Sunday teaches us that if we get successful in any of the tasks we undertake in life we should always thank God and be appreciative to those who have helped us. But at the same time, we should realize that our Good Friday probably won’t be too far away. The same people who praise us today on our success might be the same people looking for our heads tomorrow. If it can happen to Jesus, why can’t it happen to us? Jesus explains it along these lines:
“Remember the word I spoke to you. ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours”, John 15:20.
There’s a very important lesson that we can get from Palm Sunday and the lesson is we should never overlook the disloyalty and fickleness of people. You can see how at one moment the people were praising Jesus as their King and Savior, and the next moment they wanted to exchange him for Barabbas and have him crucified on the cross.
The best Palm Sunday Hymns:
- All Glory, Laud, and Honor – Theodulph Of Orleans
- All hail King Jesus – Daniel Bashta
- Alpha and Omega – Israel Houghton
- At the Name of Jesus – Aaron Shust
- Blessed be the Name – Andy Park
- Blessed is He Who Comes – Paul Wilbur
- Blessed Is The One – Tom Ewing
- Christ is enough – Hillsong
- Come to save us – All Sons & Daughters
- Forever reign – Hillsong
- Glory To The Lord Our God – Robin Mark
- Here for You – Matt Redman
- Hosanna – Planetshakers
- Hosanna – Brooke Fraser
- Hosanna (be lifted higher) – Israel Houghton
- Hosanna (praise is rising) – Paul Baloche
- Hosanna In The Highest (Palm Sunday Version) – Sojourn
- Hosanna Loud Hosannas (Ellacombe) – Theodulph Of Orleans
- Jesus the One and only – Travis Cottrell
- King of glory – Chris Tomlin
- King of Glory – Paul Wilbur
- King Of Love – Hillsong
- King of My Heart – Bethel Music
- Knowing You (All I once held dear) – Graham Kendrick
- Let Your Mercy Rain – Chris Tomlin
- Name above all – Andy Park
- O worship the King – Passion
- Offering – Paul Baloche
- Only King forever – Elevation Worship
- Praise Adonai – Paul Baloche
- Prepare The Way – Terry MacAlmon
- Sing Hosanna – Joshua Blakesley
- We will not be shaken – Bethel
- We will worship Him – Brenton Brown
Palm Sunday Quotes: Jump Into This Christian Holiday Spirit and Celebrate Palm Sunday Like True Catholics!
- I hope this Sunday isn’t the only day of the week you go to God, every Sunday is special but today more so … Wishing you a Happy Palm Sunday!
- Today is Palm Sunday, let’s visit the church and hear the words of God. Happy Palm Sunday to all my friends.
- May the spirit of this Palm Sunday, The miracles of this season, And the magnificence of springtime – Fill your heart with delight and your life with love. Have a Happy Palm Sunday!
- It’s Palm Sunday and it’s an ideal opportunity to think back and recall what Christ has accomplished for you. He had you at the forefront of His thoughts more than 2000 years ago!
- A very Happy Palm Sunday. May the spirit of this holy event, the glow of the period make your heart blossom with joy and happiness. Wishing you a blessed Palm Sunday.
Top 5 Palm Sunday Bible Verses
Here are some Bible verses about Palm Sunday. These Palm Sunday Bible Verses tell us about both the prophecy and actual event, empowering people of Christian faith to live with Jesus as the Savior, King, and Lord of their life!
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! (John 12:12-13)
As he was drawing near — already on the way down the Mount of Olives — the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen (Luke 19:37)
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! (Luke 19:38)
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24)
They quickly took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, “Jehu is king!” (2 Kings 9:13)
Palm Sunday Discussion Questions and Answers
Do you know? Palm Sunday is called Palm Sunday because of the palm fronds, palm branches, and palm leaves that were laid on city roads and streets to make a path for Jesus as he entered the city—a custom symbolizing triumph and victory.
Looking for Palm Sunday discussion Questions and Answers? Quenching your thirst of getting the most authentic information on Palm Sunday, the team at DayFinders here provides answers to your most frequently asked questions about Palm Sunday. This section provides answers to some of your commonest questions asked about Palm Sunday and the Christian faith.
Is Palm Sunday a Holy Day of Obligation?
Although Palm Sunday is a sacred day for Catholics and people of the Christian faith, when the faithful are encouraged to attend Mass and follow the Palm Sunday customs and traditions, it is not among the Holy Days of Obligation.
Is Palm Sunday mass longer?
Palm Sunday mass is longer than normal Sunday Mass at the Catholic Church. The Palm Sunday Mass lasts for more than an hour, and that is because of the long Gospel readings.
Is Palm Sunday a holiday?
Palm Sunday falls on Sunday, which is a holiday and non-working day in all countries where Palm Sunday is celebrated.
Is Palm Sunday the end of Lent?
Every year, the discussion seethes among Christians about when Lent ends. A few people trust Lent finishes on Palm Sunday or the Saturday before Palm Sunday, others state Holy Thursday, and some state Holy Saturday. For a clear explanation, please read – Does Palm Sunday ends with Lent?
Is Palm Sunday in the Bible?
There are almost 65 Bible Verses about Palm Sunday. The topmost famous Palm Sunday Bible Verses are: John 12:12-19, Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, John 12:9-19, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-15, Luke 19:38, Luke 19:30, John 3:16, Matthew 21:9
Is Palm Sunday happy?
For many people, Palm Sunday is happy because it commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the grand victorious welcome by the people. Jesus rode the donkey-like he was a one-man parade and the crowds praised Jesus by yelling things like “blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” and “Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest”
Are Palm Sunday palms poisonous to cats?
Many people take their Palm fronds from Palm Sunday back at home and keep them for good fortunes. However, if you have a cat in your home, you should keep the palm fronds out of your cat’s reach. This is because many varieties of palms are toxic to cats and they might possibly cause an intestinal blockage.
What are Palm Sunday colors?
Scarlet, Purple, and Red are the most appropriate colors for Palm Sunday.
Can you eat meat on Palm Sunday?
Yes, you can eat meat on Palm Sunday. Not eating meat is called the law of abstinence, and it is only required by Church law on Fridays and Ash Wednesday.
Can you say wish someone Palm Sunday by saying Happy Palm Sunday?
Yes, you can.
Why Palm Sunday is called Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is called Palm Sunday because of the palm tree leaves and branches there were laid on the roads and streets to make a path for Jesus as he entered the city—a custom symbolizing triumph and victory. *The same applies to other names by which Palm Sunday is known as.
How to wish Palm Sunday?
You can wish someone Happy Palm Sunday, by sending them Palm Sunday wishes, Palm Sunday messages, and greetings.
What comes after Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week. It is followed by Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Day.
Where do Palm Sunday palms come from?
Most of the palms used in Palm Sunday come from a genus of shorter palm trees called Chamaedorea. The interesting part about these palm leaves is that an entire industry is built around harvesting palms for Palm Sunday in the rainforests. To fulfill the need for Palm Leaves for billions of Catholics around the world, manual laborers in countries like Mexico go into the rainforest to cut off palm leaves so companies can ship them to various places.
Why Hosanna on Palm Sunday?
Christians around the world sing “Hosanna” as a way of remembering Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem where a large crowd welcomed him by shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”
Why do we light candles on Palm Sunday?
Lighting candles on Palm Sunday represent the light of Christ coming into the world. It represents the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispersing dimness (death) – Wiki.
What is the difference between Passion Sunday and Palm Sunday?
Many people ask if Passion Sunday and Palm Sunday are the same. Here’s an explanation for you:
In the EF Passion, Sunday is the 5th Sunday in Lent. The following Sunday is called “Second Sunday of Passiontide or Palm Sunday”. Passiontide is the last 2 weeks of Lent.
In the OF the 6th Sunday of Lent is called Passion Sunday or, more commonly, Palm Sunday. The Preface used on this day is called “Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday)” There is no such thing as Passiontide officially. However, you still catch a glimpse of its (unofficial) existence:
During the 5th Week of Lent (but not the 5th Sunday) the Preface is called the “Passion of the Lord I”. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Holy Week the Preface is called the “Passion of the Lord II”.
So, in the EF they are separate. In the OF they are two names for the same day – what the EF calls the Second Sunday of Passion-tide or Palm Sunday.
Why do we have Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is an important day for all the people of the Christian faith. The day commemorates Jesus’ glorious entry into Jerusalem, where he was warmly welcomed by the people who laid palm leaves on Jesus’ path as a way of showing respect and honor. This is the reason why we have Palm Sunday marked as one of the most important days on the calendar.
Which religion celebrates Palm Sunday?
Christians of both Catholic and Orthodox Churches celebrate Palm Sunday, a Sunday before Easter in memory of Jesus’ victorious entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey while crowds were greeting him as their King, Savior, and Messiah.
What did the crowd say to Jesus on Palm Sunday?
According to John 12:13, the crowd yelled:
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!”
Palm Sunday Quick Facts
Palm Sunday is the sixth and final Sunday of Lent, the Sunday before Easter, and marks the beginning of Holy Week. The day remembers the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. The day sets in motion the events leading to Jesus’ Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection.
Date: Sunday – Feb 3 (Western) – April 12 (Eastern)
Significance: Commemoration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem
Celebrations: Palm Sunday Mass, waving Palm branches, church services, processions
Observed by: Christians
Also called: Passion Sunday, Willow Sunday, Blossom Sunday, Branch Sunday, Fig Sunday
So this is all you need to know about Palm Sunday. Liked the Palm Sunday information above? Do share it with your friends and family, and let them understand Palm Sunday in a clear and explicit manner.