Palm branches mark Holy Week

Palm Sunday was celebrated today, April 13, 2014, to mark the beginning of Holy Week, the week before Easter. Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The citizens of Jerusalem waved branches and laid them on the path as Jesus rode on his donkey into the city. The donkey was chosen, instead of a horse, to symbolize peace.

In congregations palm or other native plants are handed out in church and individuals take them home to keep during the Holy Week.