How To Draw Date Palm Tree

You probably know that Christian churches celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. But what does that have to do with waving around palm leaves and crafting palm crosses? Palm Sunday signals the end of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection that begins on Ash Wednesday, and kicks off Holy Week, the seven days leading up to Easter.

According to the New Testament, Palm Sunday marks Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As he enters the city, crowds gathered, waving palms.

"Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'" —Matthew 21:9

In case you're looking for other Bible quotes for the holiday, these scriptures are perfect for Palm Sunday.

Today, some Christian churches reenact the parade, while others incorporate palms or other branches in the mass or service. This year, Palm Sunday will be celebrated later than usual because Easter falls later. Here's exactly when Palm Sunday will take place, and a little more about the history and celebrations associated with this holiday.

So when exactly is Palm Sunday this year?

Each year, Palm Sunday is celebrated the Sunday before Easter. The date of Easter varies — it's determined by the moon and usually falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the Spring equinox.

This year, Easter falls on April 12, 2020. Good Friday is two days before Easter, on April 10, 2020. Which means Palm Sunday will be on April 5, 2020.

A cross made with a palm leaf.

dtimiraos Getty Images

What's the history of Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday because the passion narrative, a name for the final acts and suffering of Jesus, is recounted on this day. After his arrival in Jerusalem, celebrated with a parade of palms, Jesus embarks on a week of teaching and torture that ends in his crucifixion on Good Friday.

You may recall the stories of Jesus driving the money-changers from the Temple, the Last Supper, and Judas's kiss of betrayal. These events all occurred during the last few days of Jesus's life.

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