Palm Sunday

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In the Christian calendar, the Sunday before Easter and first day of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, when the crowd strewed palm leaves in his path.

Palm Sunday is the last day of celebration for Christians before recalling the sadness of the events of the rest of the week. St Mark's Gospel, relating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, tells how he was hailed as the promised Messiah by the crowds (Mark 11:9–10).

To celebrate this event, palm crosses are distributed during the Sunday services and many churches hold processions. In Israel, Christians carry palm leaves from Bethphage, on the road to Jericho, to Jerusalem to recreate the path taken by Jesus.

Reading of the passion narrative, on Palm Sunday, reminds Christians that Jesus went to Jerusalem to face suffering, a trial, and death; the crowds having turned against him.

The stars are said to represent Syria and Iraq. Red, white, black, and green are the pan-Arab colours. Effective date: 29 March 1980. >>