THE first day of the holy week is nearly upon us as Easter Sunday fast approaches.
But what is the story behind Palm Sunday, and does it always take place on the same day each year? Here's all you need to know about the celebration... Getty - Contributor
Parishioners often carry palms into church, commemorating Jesus' journey into the Holy City before his death
When is Palm Sunday 2018?
This year the Christian feast falls tomorrow, March 25.
The date changes year to year.
But it always falls exactly exactly seven days before Easter Sunday.
What is the story behind it?
The Christian feast celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday marks the moment when the son of God entered the holy city on the back of a donkey.
Believers use the day to remember Jesus' entry into the city, before he was betrayed, killed and resurrected.
Palm branches are widely recognised as a symbol of peace and victory, and were thrown before the feet of conquering heroes in biblical times.
Gospel writers says crowds lay palm branches and clothes at his feet to honour Jesus as he arrived in Jerusalem.
It was predicted in the Old Testament that people would recognise the Messiah when he rode into the city and lay palms at his feet.
All the Gospels detail how Jesus rode into the Holy City on a donkey that had never been ridden before - showing he came in peace.
Getty - Contributor In many countries, believers create crosses from palm fronds as a celebration of the festival
How is it celebrated?
Palm Sunday is celebrated differently throughout the Christian world.
In the UK during Palm Sunday Mass, palms are distributed to parishioners.
They then carry them in a ritual procession into church, where the leaves are blessed with holy water.
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People may also be given small crosses made of palm fronds to take home.
In countries where palms are unavailable, believers use pussy willow or other types of branches to mark the festival.
In some traditions, a donkey forms part of the Palm Sunday parade.
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Pope Francis on Palm Sunday urged young people not to be silent and let their voices be heard, even in the face of corrupt or silent elders.
The pope's message comes on the heels of a meeting of young Catholics who told the Vatican they want a more transparent and authentic church, and a day after hundreds of thousands marched in youth-led rallies across the United States to demand greater gun control.
"The temptation to silence young people has always existed," Francis said. "There are many ways to silence young people and make them invisible. ... There are many ways to sedate them, to keep them from getting involved, to make their dreams flat and dreary, petty and plaintive. "
But he told youths in his homily that "you have it in you to shout," even if "we older people and leaders, very often corrupt, keep quiet."
As the Roman Catholic Church enters Holy Week, retracing the story of the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection three days later on Easter Sunday, Francis urged youth to join those who offer praise, and not the masses calling for crucifixion.
"Dear young people, the joy that Jesus awakens in you is a source of anger and irritation to some, since a joyful person is hard to manipulate," the pontiff said.
Some 300 youths meeting at the Vatican this week prepared a document for next October's synod of bishops at the Vatican focusing on to help youths better find their way in the church. The document, which was presented to Francis on Sunday, asked church leaders to address the unequal roles of women in the church and how technology is abused.
Before his traditional Sunday prayer at the end of Mass, the pope recalled the importance World Youth Day, marked this year on Palm Sunday at a diocesan level rather than as a big international gathering.
The pope's message also resonated with the Saturday protests across the United States for tougher laws to fight gun violence, a movement galvanized by the school shooting last month in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead.
At the end of Mass, the pope and cardinals in red robes led a solemn procession clutching elaborately braided palm fronds as they walked through the throngs, followed by the papal blessing of palm fronds and olive branches.
The processions recalls the bittersweet nature of Holy Week, with the faithful clutching simple palm fronds and olive branches to commemorate Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem only to be followed later by his death on a wooden cross.
The pope concluded by greeting the faithful in St. Peter's Square, getting out of the popemobile to shake hands as many cheered and took pictures.
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We all know what Easter Sunday is, but what about Palm Sunday?
Before the rejoicing, Christians remember the fact that Jesus was crucified, died and was buried.
Palm Sunday marks the moment when the Son of God entered Jerusalem in triumph riding on the back of a donkey while crowds, who would later call for him to be killed, paid homage to him.
Christians believe it was a week before his death and resurrection, and the events of that day are recalled in special Palm Sunday services each year.
(Image: Getty)
When is Palm Sunday 2018?
Palm Sunday, which falls on March 25 this year, is the first day of Holy Week and the most solemn time in the Christian calendar.
So how does Palm Sunday get its name?
The name Palm Sunday comes from the palm branches that people laid down in Jesus' path as he rode into Jerusalem on the donkey.
Palm branches are a widely recognised symbol of peace and victory, and in Biblical times were often thrown before the feet of a conquering hero in homage. When Jesus arrived in the Holy City, the Gospel writers said the crowds lay palm branches and clothes at his feet to honour him.
It had been predicted in the Old Testament that people would recognise the Messiah when he rode into the city, and they would then lay palms at his feet.
Now during Palm Sunday Mass, palms are distributed to parishioners who carry them in a ritual procession into church. The palms are blessed with holy water. People are now given small crosses, made of palms, to take home with them.
Later these are burnt to create the ashes that are put on people's heads on Ash Wednesday (just before Lent starts) the following year. In parts of the world where palm trees don't grow, flowers or olive branches are used instead.
(Image: Getty)
What about the donkey?
All the Gospels describe Jesus riding into the Holy City on the back of a donkey that had never been ridden before, to show he came in peace not to wage war.
Before he entered the city, he sent two disciples ahead to the village of Bethphage to look for an unbroken colt. They then brought it to Jesus, lay their cloaks on its back so Jesus could ride it into Jerusalem.
In some traditions, a donkey forms part of the Palm Sunday parade.
The crowds shouted Hosanna meaning 'save now' as they believed Jesus was going to save them.
(Image: Getty)
What do you traditionally eat on Palm Sunday?
Pax cakes, which are believed to have originated in Herefordshire, were once handed out by churches after the service on Palm Sunday.
More like biscuits than cakes, they were generally stamped with the image of a lamb and a flag – the symbol of Jesus, the “Lamb of God – and were meant to symbolise peace and goodwill. (The word "pax", in Latin, means peace).
Pax cakes are more like biscuits than cakes and the practice is believed to date back to the Middle Ages, when the little biscuits were handed out with a glass of beer.
Peas or carlings were traditionally consumed on Palm Sunday particularly in northern England and Scotland, so it became known as Carling Sunday (or Car-Sunday in Scotland). Recipes varied according to region, including Pease Porridge, or split pea soup.
Palm Sunday is also known as Fig Sunday because tradition maintains that Jesus cursed a fig tree that would not bear fruit, and ate figs after his entry into Jerusalem. Dried figs are often eaten on the day.
This year Palm Sunday is on March 25. It marks the start of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday is followed by Maundy Thursday on March 29, Good Friday on March 30, Easter Sunday on April 1 and Easter Monday on April 2.
The date of Easter changes each year because it is based on the Lunar calendar.
Holy Week begins this morning with the observance of Palm Sunday, when Christians carry palm branches to recall the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem before his crucifixion.
Here are five things to love about Palm Sunday:
The Palms
Commemorating Palm Sunday with palm branches goes back to the early Christian church. It remains a favorite among parishioners, who are handed palm branches as they enter the church at many services.
Palms were a symbol of royalty and nobility in Jesus' day. Those welcoming him to Jerusalem expected a messiah who might overthrow the Romans. The palm is a symbol of the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem just before his crucifixion, as crowds waved palm branches, sang ''Hosannah,'' and covered his path with the branches.
Jesus was later crucified by the Romans with crowds shouting approval, according to Gospel accounts.
Donkeys
Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. Unlike the Roman emperors, who rode horses and led military parades, Jesus rode in on a donkey in a statement of peace, humility and solidarity with the people.
Processions
Jesus led a procession into Jerusalem before his Crucifixion, so many Christians take part in processions to commemorate his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. At many churches, parishioners will carry palms in their outdoor processions.
Holy Week begins
Palm Sunday begins the most holy week on the Christian liturgical calendar, leading to Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples. Good Friday marks the day of the crucifixion. Catholics and Protestants will celebrate Easter this year on April 1. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate a week later, on April 8.
The Gospel of Matthew
The story of Palm Sunday is told in the Gospel of Matthew, starting in Chapter 21.
Catholics today will have a reading of the Gospel of Matthew, from 26:14 to 27:66, which tells the Passion narrative.
The priest reads the words of Jesus, a narrator reads most of the texts, and the people in the pews read aloud the words of the crowd.
