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Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday gets its name from the custom of blessing palms and of carrying portions of branches in procession, in commemoration of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The custom may be traced back at least to the 4th century.

Many churches save palm leaves used during Palm Sunday services and later burn them.  They use the ashes in Ash Wednesday services the following Lenten season.

On Palm Sunday, Christians celebrate the first joy of the Lenten season -- Christ's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by crowds shouting "Hosanna" and waving and laying down palm branches before him.

It also marks the beginning of Holy Week, which holds the greatest tragedy and sorrow of the Christian year.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem ...

Jesus' triumphant return to Jerusalem is only part of the story.  His miracles and teachings have disturbed many in the Jewish council - the Sanhedrin - and some have decided that he must be killed. 

Even his disciples continue to misunderstand him.  They still think that his Kingdom will be of this world, associated with military victory over Roman occupation.

Passion Sunday

Some churches celebrate a "Passion Sunday" instead of a Palm Sunday on the day of Palm Sunday. During Passion Sunday, the passion story of Christ is recounted. This is more common when a church has less of the special Holy Week services yet wants the congregation to hear the complete Passion story.

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