Easy Palm Leaf Crosses for Palm Sunday

BY: Sharon Fitness for GOOD.

Next Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of Holy Week for many Christians around the world, commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

At the original Palm Sunday (which we can read about in Matthew 21:1–11), many people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road to prepare a path for Jesus as he entered the city where he would ultimately be crucified.

On Palm Sunday, many churches remember this by having a special processional or by handing out palm fronds at the end of the service.

Palm leaves are are often folded into crosses as a symbol of faith and devotion. Making a palm leaf cross is a thoughtful, meditative practice that not only connects believers to the historical events of Christianity but also serves as a personal reminder of Jesus’s sacrifice and victory over death. Here’s an easy to follow guide on how to create your own palm leaf cross for Palm Sunday.

Materials Needed

• Fresh palm leaves (if fresh palms are not available, strips of green paper or ribbon can be a thoughtful alternative)
• Scissors (for trimming the leaves if necessary)

Prepare the Palm Leaf

If you’re using fresh palm leaves, start by gently stretching and flattening out the leaf to make it more pliable. If the leaves are particularly stiff, you can carefully run them over with warm water to soften them. Cut a single strip from the palm leaf, about 1cm wide and about 25cm long, depending on the size of the cross you wish to make.

Now you’re ready to go. Here’s an easy to follow video tutorial:

Additional Tips

Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. With practice, the process becomes easier, and the crosses will look neater.

Preservation: To preserve your palm cross, you can spray it lightly with water and keep it in a cool, dry place. Some choose to keep their crosses throughout the year as a symbol of faith and a reminder of the promises of Palm Sunday.

Making a palm leaf cross for Palm Sunday is a meaningful tradition that allows believers to engage with their faith in a hands-on way. It serves as a powerful visual reminder of Jesus’s passion and resurrection, embodying the hope and renewal at the heart of the Easter season. Whether you’re crafting alone or with family, the act of making these crosses can be a reflective and fulfilling addition to your Palm Sunday observance, enriching your spiritual journey.

Feature Images: Sharon Fitness