What is the Meaning of Palm Sunday 2017? First Day of the Holy Week

By Denise See, Christian Post Contributor Wednesday, April 05, 2017

Holy Week is almost here. And while many Christians around the world observe the period, some may still be unaware of the significance behind these dates, beginning with Palm Sunday.

So what is Palm Sunday and what is the meaning behind it? "According to scripture Palm Sunday is identified as the Sunday before the Friday Passover on which Jesus was crucified," Pastor Charles Jackson from the Macedonia Baptist Church in Daphne, Alabama, said to WKRG.

Pastor Jackson also explained that Jesus was welcomed by the Jews on Palm Sunday because they believed that He would save them from the Romans. However, this warm embrace would not last very long.

"Jesus goes from being a lauded figure on Palm Sunday to being crucified on Friday because his followers had grown to an enormous number and the religious leader had become envious of Jesus and with their powerful influences persuades the people to turn against Him," Pastor Jackson continued.

The days between Palm Sunday and Holy Saturday are observed in remembrance of the time Judas betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion. On Easter Sunday, Jesus was resurrected, which is why Christians celebrate on that day.

But Palm Sunday is also a day of celebration because it marks the day Jesus came to Jerusalem as the Savior of people. This year, Palm Sunday falls on April 9, which is the first day of the Holy Week.

The name of the day, Palm Sunday, is derived from the tradition of using palm fronds in reenacting Jesus Christ's arrival in the Holy City. According to the Mirror, palm branches are known for being a sign of peace and were thrown at Jesus' feet when he entered Jerusalem.

In keeping with the tradition, palms are carried in a procession into church during Palm Sunday Mass. These palms are later burned and the ashes are used on Ash Wednesday.