This year the Palm Sunday which is a global event observed by Christian faith adherents around the world falls on today, 25th March 2018.
The Palm Sunday, which is an important symbolic day in the Christian calendar, marks the beginning of the Christians holy week and immediately precedes a week of events leading up to Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. To mark the day, people carry palm branches and crosses commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey. Several activities are involved in celebrating the day which is also known as the Passion Sunday.
The waving of the palms is a tradition borrowed from the Romans. The palms were used by Romans as a sign of victory and were offered to those who were victorious in the games and in the crowning of Caesars. The waving of the palms commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
The palms are used to make crosses which Christians keep into their houses as a sign of their faith. Most Churches tie palms into little crosses while others just give out the pieces of the palm to the congregation. Christians usually hang these crosses in their houses through the year.
Some of the palm fronds from the Palm Sunday are burnt for use during the Ash Wednesday. The ashes are prayed for and blessed by the priest for the Ash Wednesday occasion which symbolically reminds Christians about the temporary state of life here on earth.
The Palm Sunday is a day to reflect on the gospel values and change the world for the better in full Christian belief of Jesus as the light of the world who came for the sake of mankind. It is also a day to express humility to others as Jesus did.
Have a great Palm Sunday, won’t you?