Palm Sunday in United Kingdom

Many Christians in the United Kingdom remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. This day is also on the Sunday before Easter Sunday.

Many congregation members receive palms at Palm Sunday church services.

©iStockphoto.com/Steven Allan

What do people do?

Many churches in the United Kingdom have special services to celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It is also a time for many Christians to remember his suffering before his death and resurrection. Many churches provide congregation members with small crosses made from palm leaves at special Palm Sunday services.  The priests or ministers bless these palms, which are also used to make the Ash Wednesday ashes for the next year. Many churches distribute palms in the shape of a cross.

Churches may also have a procession that involves people singing songs and waving palm leaves. Some churches give people pax cakes at the end of a service. Children’s activities on or around this event may include story telling about biblical events relating to Palm Sunday and crafts such as making palm crosses.

Public life

Palm Sunday is not a federal holiday in the United Kingdom. However, it is held on a Sunday, which is a non-school day and non-working day for many people living in the United Kingdom.

Background and Symbols

Many churches in the United Kingdom observe Palm Sunday as part of Holy Week. Palm Sunday in England was traditionally called Olive or Branch Sunday, as well as Sallow, Willow, Yew or Blossom Sunday. It was also called Sunday of the Willow Boughs. These names represent the local replacements for the traditional palm branches. Palms signify victory and joy, while pax cakes symbolize peace and goodwill.

About Palm Sunday in other countries

Palm Sunday Observances

Related holidays

• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, March 28, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, March 31, 2013
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 1, 2013

Other holidays in March 2013 in United Kingdom

• St. David's Day ―Friday, March 1, 2013
• Mothering Sunday ―Sunday, March 10, 2013
• St Patricks Day ―Sunday, March 17, 2013
• St Patricks Day ―Monday, March 18, 2013
• March equinox ―Wednesday, March 20, 2013
• First day of Passover ―Tuesday, March 26, 2013
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, March 28, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, March 31, 2013
• Daylight Saving Time starts ―Sunday, March 31, 2013