Community Corner
Holy Week Begins as Christians Celebrate Palm Sunday
The end of Lent offers a time of reflection and celebration for some Christians.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week for some Christians and the historic events leading up to Jesus' death on the cross.
The Early History of Palm Sunday
The celebration of Palm Sunday originated in the Jerusalem church, around the late fourth century. It originally consisted largely of prayers, hymns and sermons recited by clergy. Parishioners would walk through the city of Jerusalem, visiting the holy sites and making a final stop at the place where Christ ascended into heaven. There, priests would read from the gospels of the Bible. At twilight, all would return to the city; children carrying palm branches reminiscent of the ones lining Jesus' own way as he re-entered Jerusalem before his death.
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As the observance of Palm Sunday evolved and spread, new services were incorporated. Eventually, traditions such as the ritual blessing of the palms and a morning processional replaced some of the earlier observances.
The Meaning of Palm Sunday
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The significance of this holiday has its roots in Judaism, according to some religious scholars. According to the Bible, Jesus returned to the city on a donkey to celebrate Passover. Crowds waved branches on the streets, reciting "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Christian religious readers believe his return marked the fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9) where the peaceful and triumphant king would return as Messiah.
Modern Observance
In modern times, Palm Sunday traditions are very similar to their early incarnations. The ceremonial blessing of the palms and processional are followed by Mass. The Passion and the Benediction are commonly sung as part of Mass.
Usually, parishioners decorate their homes with palm fronds after services or bring them to the graves of loved ones. The palms blessed during the service are ceremonially burned and used the next year for Ash Wednesday.
Some Christians use this as a time to pause and reflect on the final week of Jesus' life, as well as family and celebrate.