Jesus on a donkey @ V&A, Photo by PH Morton
Palm Sunday is a movable feast and so is Easter for that matter.
A movable feast is based on a complex formula that has something to do with the marriage between the Justinian and the Gregorian calendars, coupled with Western and Eastern traditions. In addition, phases of the moon are also incorporated.
Anyway Palm Sunday is seven days before Easter. It is the time to commemorate Jesus’s entrance to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. He rode an ass or donkey as opposed to a horse; a horse is perceived more as a warlike or used by the rich & nobles etc.. Whilst the donkey is symbolic of humility and peace. Jesus wanted to show that he was for the poor as well as for the rich. Jesus was for Everyman.
It was said that the people laid down their cloaks and little palm leaves to the path where Jesus would pass.
Today the Churches will give their parishioners branches or palm leaves, some are woven into crosses, to raise and wave during exultation and prayers.
The little palm crosses are encouraged to be taken home and put away to be taken back for next year’s Ash Wednesday.
Some superstitions have been attached to the crosses. In the Philippines which I have carried back here in the UK, the crosses are hung up over windows or doorways. This is to prevent the house from being struck by lightning.
Palm Crosses that are handed out by the Priest at churches are normally made by religious orders.
Make your own paper cross. Click here.