The significance of palms on Palm Sunday is multifaceted, rooted in both historical and symbolic contexts. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where people greeted him by spreading palm branches and their garments on his path, hailing him as the Son of David 1.

Here's a breakdown of the significance:

• Symbol of Victory and Royalty: Palm branches have been used across cultures as emblems of joy and victory over enemies 2. In Christianity, they symbolize victory over the flesh and the world 2. The waving of palms signifies the recognition of Jesus as King 3.
• Commemoration of Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem: The palms remind us of the events described in the Gospels, where the crowds honored Jesus as he entered Jerusalem 1 4. The people, wishing to honor Him and make Him king, strewed palm branches and even their own garments in His path, singing: Hosanna to the Son of David 1.
• Liturgical Significance: The liturgy of Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and combines two contrasting moments: the welcoming of Jesus and the drama of the Passion 5. The Church's liturgy solemnly opens Holy Week with the celebration of Jesus' entry on Palm Sunday 4.
• Sacramental Use: The palms blessed on Palm Sunday are often taken home by the faithful and used as sacramentals 2. They are preserved in homes as a witness to faith in Jesus Christ, the messianic king, and in his Paschal Victory 6. However, it's important to remember that palms or olive branches should not be kept as amulets, or for therapeutic or magical reasons to dispel evil spirits 6.
• Preparation for Holy Week: The Palm Sunday liturgy prepares Christians to fully experience the Paschal mystery, anticipating the "hour" in which the Messiah would suffer, die, and rise again 5.

In places where palms are not readily available, branches of olive, box elder, spruce, or other trees are used 2.