This date commemorates one of the most important moments in the life of Jesus.
With the arrival of a new Easterthousands of faithful gather throughout the world to commemorate the last days of the life of Jesus Christ.
The first important day on these dates will be next Sunday, April 2, when the Palm Sunday. On that day the lentwhich had begun on Ash Wednesday in the month of February.
Origin of Palm Sunday
This date commemorates the beginning of the last week of Jesus’ life, when he triumphantly enters the city of Jerusalem. As described in the gospels, a large crowd acclaimed Christ as he entered mounted on a donkey and received him as the Messiah.
The name comes from the way in which the inhabitants of the place received Jesus. Many applauded his entrance with palm branchesa plant that, in Jewish beliefs, was symbol of wealth and fertility.
This gesture was modified over the years, as the religion spread throughout West. As in some countries this plant did not exist, it was replaced by others of local origin, such as teathe willow and the olive tree -the latter was considered a sign of peace-. Due to the large number of plants that were used for this purpose, it was given the name of Palm Sunday, to make it more general.
Rituals with the bouquets
Today it is a tradition bring to mass on Palm Sunday a bouquet of one of these aforementioned plants. The priest usually blesses them and then they are placed next to crosses or crucifixes at home throughout Easter.
Once finished, they are burned to later use their ashes during the Ash Wednesday of the following year; Likewise, this ritual is not so popular in some countries.