Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa) is one of the most revered Christian holidays in Poland. In 2025, it falls on April 13. This day marks the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and opens Holy Week. In Poland, the celebration combines solemn liturgies, deeply rooted folk traditions and special symbols – palm branches, which have a unique cultural meaning here, writes IZ.
Content
- Palm Sunday traditions and rituals in Poland
- Symbolism of the Polish “palm tree”
- Palm Sunday greetings in Polish
- What else is important to know?
Palm Sunday in Poland. Photo: Mariusz Cieszewski
Palm Sunday traditions and rituals in Poland
In Poland, Palm Sunday begins with a morning mass, during which the so-called palmy wielkanocne are consecrated – colorful decorative “palms” symbolizing the resurrection and the victory of life over death.
These palms are made from:
- a willow twig (like we have in Ukraine),
- periwinkle, myrtle or boxwood,
- dried flowers and colored ribbons.
In many regions, especially in southern Poland (for example, in Lipnica Murowania), competitions are held for the tallest palm tree – some reach over 20 meters in height! Such competitions are accompanied by fairs, performances by folklore groups, and master classes in palm tree making.
Symbolism of the Polish “palm tree”
Polish Easter palms have nothing in common with tropical trees. Their symbolism is deeply Christian:
- Willow is a symbol of life and renewal.
- Boxwood and periwinkle – eternal life.
- Colored ribbons represent joy and hope for salvation.
- Dried flowers represent the beauty and transience of the earthly.
After consecration, palm trees are placed at home near icons, kept for a year as a talisman, and sometimes burned before Ash Wednesday the following year to obtain ashes for the rite of penance.
Palm Sunday greetings in Polish
Unlike Easter, Palm Sunday does not have a separate form of religious greeting, but Poles often use friendly wishes in personal communication and on postcards. Here are some examples:
1. “On the occasion of Niedzieli Palmowej życzę Ci pokoju w cercu, sylky ducha i wiary, korzej przenosi góry.”
On the occasion of Palm Sunday, I wish you peace in your heart, strength of spirit, and faith that can move mountains.
2. “Niech Niedziela Palmowa will be the beginning of deep reflection, love and hope leading to Zmartwychwstania.”
May Palm Sunday be the beginning of deep reflection, love, and hope leading to the Resurrection.
3. “W ten unique dzień życzę Ci błogosławieństwa Bożego, rodzinnego heata i wiosennego odrodzenia.”
On this special day, I wish you God's blessings, family warmth, and spring renewal.
4. “Niech palma wielkanocna przypomina o victory of life over death, and the heart is filled with joy and peace.”
May the Easter palm tree remind you of the victory of life over death, and may your heart be filled with joy and peace.
5. “Palm in the hand, joy in the heart, peace in the soul – tego życzę Ci na Niedziełę Palmową.”
Palm in your hand, joy in your heart, peace in your soul – this is what I wish you on Palm Sunday.
6. “Every branch of your palm does not have good thoughts, sincere prayers and love for your neighbors.”
May every branch of your palm tree carry good thoughts, sincere prayers, and love for your neighbors.
7. “Z Niedzielą Palmową niech przyjdzie do Ciebie nadzieja, which will endure all things and strengthen Twoją wiarę.”
May the hope that will endure everything and strengthen your faith come to you with Palm Sunday.
8. “Na pamiątkę jezusa's journey to Jerusalem – życzę Ci błogosławieństwa and peace in your daily life.”
In memory of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, I wish you blessings and peace in your daily life.
9. “Niech kolorowa palma przyniesie Ci szczecce, a ten dzień stanie się pozczyciem duchowej przemiany.”
May the colorful palm tree bring you happiness, and may this day be the beginning of spiritual renewal.
10. “With all my heart, I was filled with joy and peace in the presence of God.”
With all my heart, I wish you a joyful and peaceful Palm Sunday, filled with God's presence.
What else is important to know?
- Palm Sunday in Poland is unofficially considered the beginning of Easter cleaning and preparations.
- On this day, the Passion of Christ is often commemorated by reading or acting out the Gospel of Matthew.
- In Catholic schools and parishes, children are told the story of Holy Week, processions are organized, and sometimes even small theatrical performances are performed.
As a reminder, we previously wrote about the Feast of the Annunciation in Germany.