Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week in the Philippines. It is a traditional religious holiday observed by all Filipinos worldwide as passed on to them from generation to generations. This Spanish influence on the Philippine culture had remained strong for the last 500 years.
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When is Palm Sunday in the Philippines in 2015?
Palm Sunday in the Philippines is on March 29, 2015, a Sunday.
Palm Sunday is always observed in the Philippines on the Sunday before Easter Sunday each year.
Origin and Purpose of Palm Sunday in the Philippines:
Palm Sunday had been part of Philippine tradition for hundreds of years, marking the commencement of the annual Holy Week observance. It started as early as the 16th century as part of the Spanish influence to the once pagan country. It commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.
Observance of Palm Sunday in the Philippines:
In the Philippines, each catholic parish re-enact the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ by a procession of devotees or church goers bringing with them coconut leaves fashioned in the shape of a cross. In processions, a statue or framed picture of Jesus Christ is featured.
The parish priests head the procession with the church boys, choir, religious and civic groups, and parishioners. The route starts and ends at the church and immediately followed by a mass. At the end of the mass, the blessing of coconut leaves, rosaries, statues, images, candles and coconut oil is done by the officiating priest.
Once blessed, the coconut leaves or “palaspas” are brought home and placed on walls, altars, or hung beside the stairs or doorways and windows. Superstitious by nature, Filipinos believe that these blessed items can ward of witches, bad spirits and misfortune. Lunch is a festive family gathering across the country.
When is the Palm Sunday in the Philippines in 2016?
Palm Sunday in the Philippines is on March 20, 2016, a Sunday.
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