What do palms represent

Also, interestingly, history has recognized Jericho as the city of palm trees for it has the finest palm branches Deuteronomy The palm tree is an important symbol of victory for Israel after God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

After Israel got out of Egypt, the Lord commanded that they celebrate a feast in honor of the freedom they had from the hands of their captors who enslaved them for hundreds of years. From then on, the people of Israel celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles which took place for seven days.

Throughout this period, the Israelites dwell in booths made of palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; Leviticus Furthermore, the Lord commanded that this practice be passed on to future generations. In this way, the people of Israel will know the victories God has given to them.

When the Israelites waited for the coming of their King carried by a donkey, they also looked forward to the fulfillment of the prophecies. The Jews looking unto Jesus is also seeking the hope set before them. The same prayer is what everyone needs. This important tree had many different varieties, ranging in height from less than 3 meters to more than 30 meters.

The date palm supplied dates, of course. The coconut palm supplied both coconut and coconut milk. The sap of the sugar palm was dried, beaten, and ground into very fine sugar. Its leaves could also be boiled and used as a vegetable. The trunk of the sago palm was ground into flour and made into unleavened bread. Palm trees had almost no waste parts. With that status, you don't simply throw them away.

The palms are held till the next year, where they are burned to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday. This post was originally published on March Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

All rights reserved About Us. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Ad Choices. They were often depicted on coins and important buildings. King Solomon had palm branches carved into the walls and doors of the temple:. Palm branches were regarded as tokens of joy and triumph and were customarily used on festive occasions Leviticus , Nehemiah Kings and conquerors were welcomed with palm branches being strewn before them and waved in the air.

Victors of Grecian games returned to their homes triumphantly waving palm branches in their hands. Deborah , one of Israel's judges, held court from underneath a palm tree, probably because it afforded shade and prominence Judges At the end of the Bible, the book of Revelation speaks of people from every nation raising palm branches to honor Jesus:.

Today, many Christian churches distribute palm branches to worshipers on Palm Sunday, which is the sixth Sunday of Lent and last Sunday before Easter. On Palm Sunday, people remember Christ's sacrificial death on the cross , praise him for the gift of salvation , and look expectantly to his second coming.

Customary Palm Sunday observances include the waving of palm branches in procession, the blessing of palms, and the making of small crosses with palm fronds. Palm Sunday also marks the beginning of Holy Week , a solemn week focusing on the final days of Jesus Christ's life.

Holy Week culminates on Easter Sunday, the most important holiday in Christianity.