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Christian Year

PALM SUNDAY

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A few days before his trial and crucifixion, Jesus deliberately drew attention to himself by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey [Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40]. In Matthew’s gospel [Matthew 21:4-5], it is noted that Jesus is fulfulling the words of a prophet [Zechariah 9:9] and that Jesus is showing gentleness and humility.

The supporters accompanying Jesus waved branches and also spread them in his path. One of the gospels identifies these as palm branches [John 12:12-13].

Palm Sunday is the sixth (and last) Sunday of Lent and is the day when Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem is remembered. It is also the first day of Holy Week.

Sometimes palm crosses are given out during Palm Sunday services. A palm cross is a small cross made by folding a long thin strip from a leaf of a palm tree.