Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem when crowds laid palm branches before him. It marks the start of Holy Week.
The custom of using palm branches dates to the 4th century. Where palms are unavailable, willow, yew, or olive branches substitute.
Palm leaves blessed and distributed at church services, often woven into crosses. Processions reenact Jesus's entry. Many Catholic and Protestant traditions follow.
Not a public holiday in most countries. Major liturgical observance in Catholic-majority Europe and Latin America.