Today is Palm Sunday, celebrating when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. At our church that means that large palm fronds are handed out to every person and we gather outside in front of the church to start the worship service, then process into the sanctuary. It's a very lovely experience, especially when the weather cooperates. Last year it was nasty cold outside and we did not linger long but today the temperature was in the low 60s, the sun was shining and it was all quite lovely. The palms that we waved symbolize victory, peace, eternal life, and triumph according to Google. I think they've got it right.
When I taught in a Catholic school many years ago one of the nuns I worked with showed me how to make a cross from two leaves of a palm frond. I had one of those crosses hanging on my apartment wall for many years. Today I made one and gave it to my 90 year old cousin who was not able to go to church. She seemed to appreciate it and I enjoyed passing on a tradition.
One more interesting fact, the dried palm fronds left after today's celebration will be burnt and the ashes will be saved and used on Ash Wednesday next year.
I hope you all have had a blessed Palm Sunday.
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