Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when he was greeted by cheering crowds waving palm branches that they set out on the ground along his path, according to the Bible.
This year, Palm Sunday falls on March 24. Also known as Passion Sunday, it marks the start of Holy Week. The most sacred week of the Christian year includes Good Friday - Jesus’ crucifixion and death, and his resurrection on Easter.
Here is a quick look at Palm Sunday's significance.
The procession of Jesus into Jerusalem is described by the four Gospel writers in the Bible.
The Gospels offer varying accounts, but based on one expert they agree on this: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey — or a colt. So, which one is it?
Colt is defined as “a young male horse that is usually not castrated.” But in the Bible, the word meaning “colt” is used almost exclusively for young donkeys, not horses, writes Joanne M. Pierce, professor emerita of religious studies at the College of the Holy Cross.
Pierce writes that this brings to mind a reference from the Book of Zechariah in Jewish scriptures, where the prophet describes a victorious king who enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
In Judaism, she says, the passage from Zechariah refers to the Messiah, a spiritual king who would peacefully redeem Israel, and the donkey is interpreted as a sign of humility.
“In Christianity, this animal becomes almost a symbol of Christ himself, given how it patiently suffers and bears others’ burdens,” Pierce writes in a piece published by The Conversation. “Horses, on the other hand, tend to be associated with royalty, power and war.”
In the biblical Palm Sunday account, a cheering crowd greeted Jesus along the road. Some spread their garments on the ground; others threw down leafy branches they had cut from the fields. In the Gospel of John, they are branches from palms, a tree that symbolized victory and triumph.
In the Gospel of Matthew, people began to shout: “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” The word “Hosanna” was a plea for salvation and an exclamation of adoration.
After the procession, the Bible says Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple.
Easter (Resurrection Day) is coming:
To have these videos (above) sent straight to your phone during Holy Week, text the word EASTER to 21947. You will receive five text messages between March 25 - 31.
Ash Wednesday coming:
In churches around the world, the palms are often taken home by congregants, and some will become ashes.
Ashes can be purchased, but some churches make their own by burning the palms from prior years.
They're used to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday, the solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Christianity’s most penitent season.
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