The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PALM SUNDAY CUSTOM

ON PALM SUNDAY THE PALMS RECEIVED AT MASS ARE SOAKED IN WATER,
AND THEN BRAIDED TO FORM CROWNS (SYMBOLIZING CHRIST'S CROWN OF
THORNS) OR SHEAVES OF WHEAT (SYMBOLIZING A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST).
THESE BRAIDED PALMS ARE PLACED BEHIND ALL CRUCIFIXES AND RELIGIOUS
PICTURES IN THE HOME. THESE PALMS ARE BURNT AND REPLACED NEXT YEAR.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED OF THIS CUSTOM AND CRAFT FROM THE SISTERS
OF CHARITY IN MONTREAL, AND CARRIES IT ON HERSELF EACH YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

Date learned: 09-26-1969