The start of Holy Week changes every year.

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Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, falls on April 13, 2025.

Palm Sunday is the Sunday beforeEasterand marks the start of Holy Week, which is greatly important for Christians.

Palm Sunday

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Dee Dee Carson of First Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, explains the importance of Palm Sunday.

Dee Dee Carsonis pastor ofFirst Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach.

Why Does The Date Of Palm Sunday Change?

The date of Palm Sunday, just like Easter Sunday, changes each year.

In some scriptures, like in Mark 14:12-26, the Last Supper takes place on Passover.

According to the Gregorian calendar, Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon in spring.

Palm Sunday is one week before.

What Is Palm Sunday?

In Jerusalem people were shouting, Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

according to Mark 11:9.

What Is Holy Week?

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday.

What Happens On Palm Sunday Today?

Palm Sunday looks different for every church and denomination.

However, like the name entails, palms do play a part in the ceremony.

In some churches, like Rev.

Carsons, children process down the center aisle of the church waving palms at the beginning of the service.

In other churches, the palm fronds are folded into crosses.

Some people may also bury or burn their palms at home to dispose of these holy items respectfully.

They should not be thrown in the trash.

Palm leaves are an important symbol on Palm Sunday.

They are blessed by clergy, hung in homes, and waved during hymnals during the church service.