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Palm Sunday 2025: This occasion marks Jesus Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, while riding on a donkey.
Palm Sunday 2025: The name came from the ritual of waving palm leaves to cheer Jesus Christ’s entry by the huge crowd that had gathered in Jerusalem.
Happy Palm Sunday 2025: Easter, the Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the globe. From decorating eggs and attending religious services to enjoying festive meals with loved ones and participating in egg hunts, the holiday is marked by joy and tradition.
But did you know about Palm Sunday, the special day observed the Sunday before Easter? If you’re unfamiliar with its significance, read on to discover the meaning of Palm Sunday, how it’s celebrated around the world and the powerful Bible verse that beautifully captures its essence.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday marks Jesus Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, while riding on a donkey. Thus, the day is grandly celebrated in many Christian churches by processions. The name came from the ritual of waving palm leaves to cheer Jesus Christ’s entry by the huge crowd that had gathered in Jerusalem to give him a grand welcome.
As per many local beliefs, palm leaves were also laid down on the path on which he came to the city. However, the joyous occasion is also a day of sorrow for many Christians as they know that only one week later, Jesus died.
Moreover, Palm Sunday is followed by events such as – the betrayal of Jesus on Spy Wednesday (Holy Wednesday), the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) and the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday (Holy Friday).
How Is Palm Sunday Celebrated Worldwide?
There are many different ways in which Christians celebrate Palm Sunday. Check out below:
In many German-speaking countries, processions reenacting Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey are performed at various locations around the world. Reportedly, the donkey, in some interpretations, represents humility and Christ’s willingness to serve his men.
Also, various Christian pilgrims of the Holy Land celebrate Palm Sunday by holding masses and processions from the top of the neighbouring Mount of Olives to Jerusalem’s historic Old City, which is home to multiple holy sites of the three Abrahamic monotheistic faiths.
In England, the Christians celebrate the day by burning Jack o’ Lent figures, which symbolises a kind of revenge for those who had betrayed Christ.
In India, during processions by various Christian churches, branches of palms are carried to mark Jesus Christ’s grand welcome. According to the Gospel of John, these palm leaves symbolise victory and triumph.
In Egypt and Ethiopia, during the processions, people also used to merrily scream, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” in praise of the almighty. The word “Hosanna” is a plea for salvation and an exclamation of adoration.
In Finland, kids dress up as Easter witches and visit door-to-door to collect coins and candies.
In Italy and other churches around the world also distribute holy palms and ashes (prepared from burning the previous year’s palms) to the congregants.
Some Christians even make a cross with palm leaves as a blessing from the almighty. A lengthy reading of the Passion narrative, which features Christ’s suffering and death, is also often included in the service to mark the beginning of Holy Week.
In many Polish towns and villages, people organise artificial palm competitions, whereas, in Spain, local people cover palm leaves from the sun to allow them to whiten.
What Bible Verse Captures The Palm Sunday Message?
Multiple verses from the Bible encapsulate the beautiful messages of Palm Sunday. Amongst them, here are a few of them
- Matthew 21:9 talks about the exuberant praise of the crowds after they recognised Jesus as the Messiah.
- Mark 11:9-10 also echoes the joyful cheer of the people, acknowledging Jesus as the bearer of a blessed kingdom.
- Luke 19:38 speaks about the peace proclaimed by the arrival of Jesus.
- John 12:13 signifies using palm leaves as an ancient symbol of victory and joy.
- Psalm 118:26Â reflects the acknowledgement of Jesus as the blessed one sent by the almighty.
There are many such verses which withhold the message of Palm Sunday.