Palm Sunday is the last Sunday of Lent and the Sunday before Easter. It is the beginning of the Holy Week and commemorates the joyful arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, as Saviour and King. The final Sunday before Lent is called Palm Sunday because it is when the faithful receive palm fronds which they use to participate in the re-enactment of Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem. Palm branches are recognised as a symbol of peace and victory, hence the day is called Palm Sunday.

Christ rode a donkey into Jerusalem and was greeted by a large crowd who laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road as a sign of homage. A donkey was used instead of a horse as it represents the humble arrival of Christ in peace. Christ rose from the dead a week later on Easter.