When is Palm Sunday 2018, what’s the story behind the religious date and does it always fall the week before Easter?

When is Palm Sunday 2018, what’s the story behind the religious date and does it always fall the week before Easter?

THE first day of the holy week is nearly upon us as Easter Sunday fast approaches.

But what is the story behind Palm Sunday, and does it always take place on the same day each year? Here’s all you need to know about the celebration…

Parishioners often carry palms into church, commemorating Jesus’ journey into the Holy City before his death

When is Palm Sunday 2018?

This year the Christian feast falls tomorrow, March 25.

The date changes year to year.

But it always falls exactly exactly seven days before Easter Sunday.

What is the story behind it?

The Christian feast celebrates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday marks the moment when the son of God entered the holy city on the back of a donkey.

Believers use the day to remember Jesus’ entry into the city, before he was betrayed, killed and resurrected.

Palm branches are widely recognised as a symbol of peace and victory, and were thrown before the feet of conquering heroes in biblical times.

Gospel writers says crowds lay palm branches and clothes at his feet to honour Jesus as he arrived in Jerusalem.

It was predicted in the Old Testament that people would recognise the Messiah when he rode into the city and lay palms at his feet.

All the Gospels detail how Jesus rode into the Holy City on a donkey that had never been ridden before – showing he came in peace.

In many countries, believers create crosses from palm fronds as a celebration of the festival

How is it celebrated?

Palm Sunday is celebrated differently throughout the Christian world.

In the UK during Palm Sunday Mass, palms are distributed to parishioners.

They then carry them in a ritual procession into church, where the leaves are blessed with holy water.