Wonderful article! So much deep symbolism in Palm Sunday. The Palmesels are marvelous.
There is something symbolic about the spreading of cloaks before Christ on the road that I hadn’t thought of before. I am reminded of a threefold connection: the garments of skin from Genesis, the touching Christ’s clothing that healed the woman with hemorrhages, and then also of Baptism (throwing off the clothing of the old man and being clothed in Christ).
It is as if by casting off our garments of skin (the things we use to cover ourselves and make us strong in the face of the Fall and the elements), Christ tramples those false identities under foot as our King, but simultaneously may renew and bless them. It is an act of faith recognizing his kingship and also making ourselves vulnerable. The woman touching Christ’s garments in faith being healed is similar to having faith that him touching our garments will make us live blessed lives in our day-to-day lives. Just as his Baptism in the Jordan sanctified the waters of the earth, so can the Lord sanctify our everyday seemingly vulgar existence, our clothing, our works, our comings and goings, and our stations in life.
The Fra Angelico painting depicts the Harrowing of Hell.
Between His Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus descends into Hell. The gate is broken, the devil flees, and Jesus releases the souls trapped there. Holy Saturday commemorates this.
Yes, this is why I included it. The illumination prefigures the Harrowing of Hell. I explain this in the article, but I should have labeled the image too! Thank you.
I love that the door to Hades has flattened the guard (sometimes perceived as death himself) in the 🚪🔓🔑🎣 Harrowing of Hell fresco. And by the way, those are some seriously 👑🌴🫏🪢 long-eared donkeys!
“It is not a coincidence that a tree sprouts between Jesus and the city gates. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the Cross still stood in his path.” I absolutely loved this detail, Amelia! I look forward to reading this again, more slowly.
I am catching up on a few posts here, enjoyed this one as always. I am finishing my semester here in London, where the Victoria & Albert Museum has an example of a "Palmesel":
This one is quite special to us, because the very first time I taught in this program, about 20 years ago, our then-youngest daughter--who at the time had just turned one--would always recognize it and get very excited when we pushed her past it in her stroller.
What a wonderful memory! How special that your family is able to accompany you in London. The Victoria and Albert museum is a gem. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it when I visited London.
The 15th Century German wooden statue is absolutely astonishing.
It really is. It’s been preserved very well too.
Wonderful! I love the illumination of Christ preaching to the children. And I say bring back the Palmesel!
Thank you Denise! I agree! It would be cool to commission one wouldn't it?
Wonderful article! So much deep symbolism in Palm Sunday. The Palmesels are marvelous.
There is something symbolic about the spreading of cloaks before Christ on the road that I hadn’t thought of before. I am reminded of a threefold connection: the garments of skin from Genesis, the touching Christ’s clothing that healed the woman with hemorrhages, and then also of Baptism (throwing off the clothing of the old man and being clothed in Christ).
It is as if by casting off our garments of skin (the things we use to cover ourselves and make us strong in the face of the Fall and the elements), Christ tramples those false identities under foot as our King, but simultaneously may renew and bless them. It is an act of faith recognizing his kingship and also making ourselves vulnerable. The woman touching Christ’s garments in faith being healed is similar to having faith that him touching our garments will make us live blessed lives in our day-to-day lives. Just as his Baptism in the Jordan sanctified the waters of the earth, so can the Lord sanctify our everyday seemingly vulgar existence, our clothing, our works, our comings and goings, and our stations in life.
Wonderful insights Matt. Thank you.
The Fra Angelico painting depicts the Harrowing of Hell.
Between His Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus descends into Hell. The gate is broken, the devil flees, and Jesus releases the souls trapped there. Holy Saturday commemorates this.
Yes, this is why I included it. The illumination prefigures the Harrowing of Hell. I explain this in the article, but I should have labeled the image too! Thank you.
I love that the door to Hades has flattened the guard (sometimes perceived as death himself) in the 🚪🔓🔑🎣 Harrowing of Hell fresco. And by the way, those are some seriously 👑🌴🫏🪢 long-eared donkeys!
Yes, very interesting detail!
Yeah I always wondered what all the churches in lands far away from anywhere palms grow used to do for Palm Sunday
Yeah, I do like the tradition of using local branches, but palms are nice too.
“It is not a coincidence that a tree sprouts between Jesus and the city gates. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the Cross still stood in his path.” I absolutely loved this detail, Amelia! I look forward to reading this again, more slowly.
Thank you so much Maria! That means a lot coming from you.
Wonderful commentary! Would love to go to a procession with a Palmesel!
Thank you! Me too! I think the ones still in use are mostly in Austria/Germany.
I am catching up on a few posts here, enjoyed this one as always. I am finishing my semester here in London, where the Victoria & Albert Museum has an example of a "Palmesel":
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O73843/christ-on-an-ass-statue-unknown/
This one is quite special to us, because the very first time I taught in this program, about 20 years ago, our then-youngest daughter--who at the time had just turned one--would always recognize it and get very excited when we pushed her past it in her stroller.
What a wonderful memory! How special that your family is able to accompany you in London. The Victoria and Albert museum is a gem. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it when I visited London.
So wonderful, thank you Amelia!
Thank you Al!
Truly a most wonderful post!
Thank you!
Wow! Yes, bring back the Palmosel! It’s wonderful.
Thank you for pointing out the star! I didn’t even notice that one.