In 2025, Palm Sunday falls on April 13 — a special day for Catholics in Poland. As noted by the editorial team of Baltimore Chronicle, on this day in Polish churches, people bless not only willow branches, as in Ukraine, but colorful decorative “palms.” This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and prepares the faithful for Easter. The celebration has deep spiritual significance and is accompanied by vibrant rituals combining religion, culture, and national tradition. In this article, we will explore the essence of the holiday, traditional “palms,” Polish customs, and examples of heartfelt greetings in Polish.
The significance of Palm Sunday for Poles
Palm Sunday in Poland is not only a religious event but also an important cultural tradition. It symbolizes the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when crowds greeted Him with palm branches.
The symbolism of palm branches
Instead of willow branches, Poles use brightly decorated “palms” made of colorful ribbons, flowers, and dried herbs. These are not mere decorations — they serve as talismans to protect homes from evil spirits and misfortune.
Spiritual meaning
Palm Sunday reminds believers of humility, sacrifice, and love. All the rituals of the day aim to encourage inner cleansing before Easter. People pray for peace, family, and well-being.
Polish Palm Sunday traditions
In Poland, this holiday is rooted in ancient and deeply ingrained traditions. Each region has its own characteristics, but there are common elements that unite Poles on this day.
Blessing of the palms
The main ritual is the blessing of “palms” in church. They can range from small to as tall as 2–3 meters. The more elaborate the palm, the more happiness it is believed to bring to the family.
Processions with palms
In many towns, festive processions are organized — believers walk through the streets with palms, sing religious hymns, and pray. These parades symbolize Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem.
Keeping the palm at home
The blessed palm is kept at home all year long — usually near icons or on a kitchen shelf. It is believed to protect the house, bring prosperity, and guard against misfortune.
Greetings for Palm Sunday in Polish
On this day, it is customary to greet each other with words of peace, goodness, and hope. Greetings may be short or in the form of poems or postcards.
Polish greeting phrases
- Wesołej Niedzieli Palmowej! – Happy Palm Sunday!
- Niech pokój i miłość zagoszczą w Twoim domu. – May peace and love settle in your home.
- Z okazji Niedzieli Palmowej życzę Ci spokoju, wiary i nadziei. – On Palm Sunday, I wish you peace, faith, and hope.
Holiday poems in Polish with translations
Poem 1:
Niedziela Palmowa, dzień radosny,
Zielenią się palmy w ręce podniesione.
Niech pokój w sercu zagości,
A miłość w rodzinie niech zawsze rośnie.
Translation:
Palm Sunday — a joyful day,
Green palms lifted in the air.
May peace dwell in your heart,
And love always grow in your family.
Poem 2:
W ten święty dzień radości,
Niech uśmiech kwitnie na twarzy.
Niech Bóg da Ci dużo miłości,
I spełni to, o czym marzysz.
Translation:
On this holy day of joy,
May a smile bloom on your face.
May God give you lots of love,
And fulfill all your dreams.
Differences in Palm Sunday celebrations in Poland and Ukraine
| Celebration Element | Poland | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Main Symbol | Decorative “palm” | Willow branch |
| Place of Blessing | Catholic church | Orthodox church |
| Festive Procession | Street procession with palms | Procession to the church |
| Celebration Duration | One day, with preparations | One day |
| Greetings | Mostly Polish, often poetic | Short Ukrainian phrases |
How to make your own Polish-style palm at home
Many Polish families craft palms by hand — this adds even more warmth and personal meaning to the celebration.
What you’ll need:
- dried flowers or grains
- colorful ribbons
- willow or hazel branches
- string or twine for binding
Step-by-step instructions
- Choose a base — such as a hazel branch.
- Decorate it with dried flowers and ribbons.
- Bundle and secure it with twine.
- Create a bouquet of a few such mini-palms.
- Bless them in church or use them to decorate your home.
What to prepare on Palm Sunday in Poland
This day does not involve large feasts, as Lent is still ongoing. However, families often prepare light traditional meals.
Traditional dishes:
- Żurek (sour rye soup with horseradish)
- Bread or poppy seed buns
- Cheesecakes or honey cookies
- Dried fruit compote
Palm Sunday in Poland is a celebration that blends spirituality, beautiful traditions, and family warmth. Lush palms, solemn processions, heartfelt greetings in Polish, and a calm, reflective atmosphere create a unique mood in the lead-up to Easter. For Ukrainians living in Poland, it’s an opportunity to connect with local culture and deepen their spiritual experience.
Previously, we wrote about how Palm Sunday is celebrated in Germany.