Curiously Kaitlyn

Why do we wave palm branches?

Apr 8, 2025
Nijay Gupta, a New Testament scholar and author, joins the conversation to unravel the rich history of waving palm branches. He discusses their origins as symbols of victory and liberation, connecting them to Jesus's unexpected grand entry into Jerusalem. The irony of celebrating a king riding a donkey sheds light on deeper themes of sacrifice and true victory. Gupta emphasizes the evolving significance of these traditions, urging listeners to reflect on the profound theological meanings that still resonate today.
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ANECDOTE

Jacobs' Biblical Year

  • A.J. Jacobs, in "A Year of Living Biblically," explored unfamiliar biblical traditions.
  • He compared this unfamiliarity to not knowing why we blow out candles on birthday cakes.
INSIGHT

Palm Branches and Victory

  • Waving palm branches wasn't solely a Jewish tradition.
  • It symbolized victory in ancient Greece, seen in the Olympics and depictions of Hercules.
INSIGHT

Palm as Victory

  • The word "palm" (palma) symbolized victory, even in non-victory contexts.
  • Tertullian called martyrdom "the palm of martyrdom," highlighting its empowering symbolism.
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