The Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, which is also the last Sunday of Lent. Christians in India and around the world offer prayers in churches which is often followed by a procession.
In a video shared by news agency ANI, churchgoers were seen at St. Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala offering prayers and then walking in a procession.
Similarly in Mangaluru, Christians were seen holding palm leaves during mass, according to a Daijiworld report.
What is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem before his crucifixion and resurrection. Christ rode on a donkey while arriving in Jerusalem, which is believed to be a symbol of peace or humility. To welcome him, his followers laid down their cloaks, and most importantly, date palm twigs to honour him as King and Messiah.
However, this isn’t unique to Jesus, when kings come to town or warriors after conquering wars people would welcome them with palm branches thrown on the ground.
Hence, devotees are often seen with palm leaves in a church which are then blessed with holy water, symbolising this event. A procession of the entire congregation takes place immediately after the blessing of the palms, called the Palm procession. This symbolises the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
The palms are taken home by the members of the congregation to serve as sacramentals which are burned the following year on Ash Wednesday.
This is followed by Maundy Thursday which commemorates the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The Last Supper has been a popular subject in art, by the Renaissance, the Last Supper was a favourite topic in Italian art. The most famous of these is the Leonardo da Vinci version made in the 15th century.
The day is followed by Good Friday, to observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Week comes to an end on Easter Sunday when Jesus Christ is believed to have ascended.