Palm Sunday

The Christian feast of Palm Sunday, which falls on the Sunday before Easter, ushers in Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter. It honours the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, which the Bible describes as taking place on a day when masses of people waved palm branches and yelled “Hosanna” (meaning “save us now”).

Several Christian denominations hold a special liturgy or church service on Palm Sunday during which worshippers carry palm branches—often fashioned into crosses or other symbols—and sing praising melodies. The palm branches are blessed by the priest or minister and then distributed to the congregation as a symbol of victory, peace, and salvation. The day is also a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the events that led up to his crucifixion and resurrection.