Palmsonntag (Palm Sunday) is the Sunday before Easter.
On this day the Church remembers Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, riding a donkey, where the bystanders waved palm leaves and hailed “Hosana”.
In addition the Catholic Church remembers Christ’s suffering – the so-called Passion, whereas the Protestant Church does this later on in the week on Good Friday.
On this day people go to Church and take palm leaves with them to be blessed.
Two other traditions on this day are:
- the Palmesel – the last person in the family to get up on this Sunday
- the Palmhase – like the Easter Bunny, except it brings one or two eggs on Palmsonntag and is a tradition in the Odenwald – part of Hessen.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)
About Graham
Interestingly, did you know that this year St. Patrick’s day (normally March 17) is being moved to March 15 so it doesn’t clash with Palmsonntag? I thought it was interesting, at least.
Interestingly, did you know that this year St. Patrick’s day (normally March 17) is being moved to March 15 so it doesn’t clash with Palmsonntag? I thought it was interesting, at least.
Wow! Thanks for that – I wasn’t aware of this rule. Although I have heard the St.Patrick’s Day parades are still being held on Monday (17th) – so do people in Ireland take much notice of it being early?
Wow! Thanks for that – I wasn’t aware of this rule. Although I have heard the St.Patrick’s Day parades are still being held on Monday (17th) – so do people in Ireland take much notice of it being early?