Araw ng Palaspas
The Tagalog word palaspas refers specifically to palm fronds that Filipinos intricately decorate and take to church on Palm Sunday (Lingo ng Palaspas).
The blessing of palms and the intonation of the antiphon often occurs in the church’s parvis, its parking lot, or the town plaza, which usually is in front of or near the church (a common layout in most Philippine settlements).
Lipa City Palm Sunday
At Lipa City, the blessing of palaspas is held inside and out of the cathedral after the holy mass.
The fronds are often brought home and placed on altars, doors, windows, in the belief that these can ward off demons, and avert both fires and lightning.
What happened on Palm Sunday?
The days leading up to Easter often have an understandably somber feel to them, particularly as we contemplate Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution. It’s easy to forget that the week begins with a joyful event: the Triumphal Entry!
Today is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Jesus’ celebrated entry into Jerusalem just a few days before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
The “palm” in Palm Sunday refers to the palm branches waved by the adoring Jerusalem crowds who welcomed Jesus and proclaimed him King. The event is commonly referred to as the Triumphal Entry. Here’s the account from Matthew 21:1-11:
