Palm Sunday: what is the date of the Orthodox in 2025, the spiritual meaning of the holiday

The last Sunday before Easter has a special meaning for believers. This is the day of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem, popularly known as Palm Sunday. In 2025, the holiday falls on April 13th. Izvestia tells readers about the history and significance of the celebration.

Palm Sunday: what date is it in 2025

The holiday is one of the twelve most important in Christianity. The celebration is based on the story of the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. After the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus, the fame of the Son of God's power spread throughout the area, and in the capital of Israel he was greeted as the king of the earth. You can read more about Lazarus' return to life and Lazarus Saturday in a separate article in Izvestia.

The Messiah arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey, dressed in simple clothes. The inhabitants of the city believed that Christ would free them from the oppression of the Romans, and greeted him with honors, throwing palm branches under his feet. In hot countries, palm branches still remain a symbol of the holiday, but in Russia, willow was used instead of palm trees — one of the very first plants to bloom in spring.

The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem: meaning and spiritual meaning

Believers begin to stock up on willow branches on the eve of the holiday or a few days before. It is customary to consecrate willow in the church and decorate the house with it — it is believed that the branches of the plant will bring a blessing. There is also a custom to lightly tap a twig on the shoulder of a loved one for good luck.

It is not customary to throw out the consecrated willow after the holiday — it is buried in the ground or burned. If a willow stands in the water for several days, it can put out roots, and then it can be planted in the yard.

Christians attend church services, which begin with an all-night vigil and continue with the morning Divine Liturgy. Also, many believers visit cemeteries on Palm Sunday, clean up the graves and leave willow twigs there.

Palm Sunday in the year 25: traditions of the April 13 holiday

Palm Sunday precedes Holy Week, where restrictions become even stricter. Therefore, hot food and fish dishes are allowed on the holiday, but meat, eggs and milk remain prohibited.

On the day of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem, one should refrain from physical labor and heavy household chores, in addition to cooking. It is inappropriate to arrange noisy celebrations, feasts, and weddings.

A bright holiday should not be accompanied by swearing, abusive words, or conflicts. On the contrary, you need to be kind and generous to others, do not refuse those who ask and do charity work.