All believers must know a priori what Palm Sunday is. Therefore, let's delve into the history of this beautiful holiday.
A week before his resurrection, Jesus Christ on a donkey, which is a symbol of the world, entered Jerusalem. The people walking in front of him and behind him praised the Son of God and blessed him. At the same time, as a sign of special respect, they held palm branches in their hands.
Some of them threw these branches under the feet of Christ. Previously, only kings and victors were honored with such an honor. But people who remembered such miracles of Jesus as the resurrection of Lazarus or the saturation of 5,000 people, accepted him precisely in the role of the Mission. These thoughts were also confirmed by the Word of God, which stated that one should rejoice and rejoice, for the real just King came. For these people, Jesus was a man chosen by God who would finally deliver them from the annoying yoke of Roman rule. Looking at the road strewn with palm branches, people imagined that this was only the beginning of the earthly glory of Jesus, and, at the same time, the beginning of their independence from external factors, the beginning of a rich, carefree life.
And only Jesus knew that from this day His way to Calvary begins - suffering for the sins of all mankind. He probably guessed that in just a few days all this people, desperately shouting “Hosanna!”, Would shout “Crucify him” even more zealously. He knew, and with such a force of love that is inherent only to God, he went forward. After all, he was convinced that he brought to mankind more significant gifts than those they hoped for: instead of the earthly kingdom, the Kingdom of God, instead of liberation from earthly enemies, liberation from sin.
This story symbolizes not only the recognition of the true mission of Christ, but, at the same time, the prototype of his entry into Paradise. Therefore, the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem is one of the most revered holidays in the Christian world. This is Palm Sunday in the countries of Orthodoxy, where on this day instead of palm branches willow branches are traditionally used. There are other options for the name: Flower Sunday, Palm Sunday, Waius Week (meaning palm trees). But, regardless of the name and symbolism of the rites, all Christians celebrate this holiday exactly one week before Easter (in 2013 it was April 28).
Usually on Palm Sunday in temples and in their courtyard a large number of people gather with only branches awakened after a winter sleep. They are in a joyful mood waiting for the consecration of the willow, which is conducted by priests dressed in festive green robes. Joy and beauty reign! Yes, Palm Sunday - this is such a triumph of life.
On this day, the Church recalls the royal glorification of Jesus Christ before His death on the Cross in order to show that the suffering of the Savior was voluntary. By the way, she continues the services of Lazarus Saturday itself, and the priests read the prophecies about the Messiah King from the Old Testament and explain what Palm Sunday is. In the hands of the parishioners can be seen willow branches. In this way they demonstrate their love and respect for God.
So, now it becomes clear what Palm Sunday is and what is the deep meaning of this holiday. We must remember how much Christ suffered for our sins, and appreciate such efforts.