Christians around the world celebrate Palm Sunday today

Martin Menacherry (Special Correspondent)

Kattappana – Idukki Dist.(Kerala),Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday,in the Christian tradition,the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter,commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

It is associated in many churches with the blessing and procession of palms (leaves of the date palm or twigs from locally available trees).

Palm Sunday is celebrated on Sunday,

At its basic,Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ victorious entry into Jerusalem.

He entered riding a donkey and the people welcomed him using palm fronds.They laid down the leaves (and their own cloaks too!) on the ground as Jesus entered the city.

Some accounts also state that Jesus held some of the palm fronds in his hand and waved these as he passed by.

Jesus’ return to the city also fulfilled Prophet Zachariah’s prophecy that the Messiah will return and bring glad tidings for Jerusalem’s people.

When Jesus was entering the city, many also shouted,Hosanna!”which means “God saves” or “Save now”.

The people saw him as the king and ruler of the city, many already aware of his being able to perform miracles like raising the dead and speaking during infancy.

There is also symbolism involved in Palm Sunday. Palms are considered as signs of peace and victory, and Jesus’ entrance being marked by these plants point towards the incoming peace and victories that the people were hoping for.

Another symbol is the donkey, and during those times, warlords, bent on hostility, would ride in on horses.

But,on the other hand, kings meaning well and peace would ride donkeys to indicate their gentle intentions.

Palm Sunday, which is also known as Passion Sunday, is followed by other important days like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, with each of these holding special significance unto themselves.

Many people celebrate Palm Sunday by visiting churches and reenacting Jesus’ entrance scene.

They also take special care of palm fronds during this week as the leaves are considered sacred.

The leaves are burned and used in ash form later on in the week.

Special prayers are offered in the churches from today until Easter Day