How Filipinos Celebrate Palm Sunday in the Philippines

Palm Sunday is celebrated in the Philippines, like in other predominantly Catholic nations. Traditionally, Filipinos purchase and bring palm fronds to attend a religious service where the priest blesses them. They then re-enacted the famous arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem when he was welcomed with palm leaves.

This practice has become an important part of Filipino spiritual practices. Many people bring their blessed palms home and hang them in visible areas. This is to invoke protection against bad luck and malevolent spirits.

In other regions, Palm Sunday is also called “Domingo de Ramos” or “Linggo ng Palaspas.”

Palm Sunday in the Philippines has become a time of renewal and reflection on God’s love and mercy. Here’s what you need to know.

Read more: What is Ash Wednesday and How Filipinos Celebrate It

What is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday celebrated by Catholics around the world. It marks Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem – a city heavily associated with his ministry and eventual crucifixion. The traditional celebration involves waving palm branches as a sign of victory, which is why it’s called “Palm Sunday.”

The first Palm Sunday was arguably held in the Philippines on March 24, 1521. According to various panels during the 500th celebration of Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage, It was arguably held in Homonhon. On this special day, churchgoers wear their best clothes and prepare Palaspas blessed at Mass before being brought home.

What are the Palaspas or palm fronds made of?

During Palm Sunday in the Philippines, locals use palm fronds, palaspas, to adorn Church and home entrances and create decorative arches. These materials are created from dried, tightly woven strips of palm leaves from native Coconut Palms. Additionally, they come in different shapes and sizes, often featuring a wooden cross at the center. As religious decorations, palaspas are seen as spiritual guardians that protect worshippers from evil spirits as they enter a place of prayer.

Beyond their spiritual symbolism, these fronds often bring a bright and festive appearance to Palm Sunday because many palaspas makers decorate it with ribbons, flowers, and other colorful trinkets.

Where to hang your palaspas or palm fronds?

Once Mass is concluded, where should they hang these Palaspas or palms? Well, doors, windows, and entryways are ideal places to hang them as it not only blesses their household but also signifies the importance of Palm Sunday in their lives.

Where to buy Palaspas or palm fronds?

If you are looking for Palaspas or palm fronds to celebrate Palm Sunday in the Philippines, one of the best places to look is outside the church grounds. There, local vendors display and sell their newly decorated Palaspas that can be used for your celebrations.

It usually costs over Php50.00, but buying in bulk is often offered. For example, buying three (3) small crosses will cost you Php100 overall. Buy your Palaspas in bulk to distribute to friends and family or in small amounts, these local vendors have what you need to celebrate Palm Sunday in the Philippines.

Do you throw away your Palaspas or palm fronds?

NO. Rather than throwing away the blessed palms, you can burn them on your own and collect the ashes to store in a vial or scatter them around your property for protection from evil spirits. Alternatively, you can bring them to the church, and they will likely tell you to burn them there.