Palm Sunday, celebrated a week before Easter Sunday, is a significant holiday in Norway as it marks the beginning of the Holy Week leading up to Easter. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem where he was welcomed with palm branches spread ahead of his path. Despite the country's predominance of extreme weather conditions during this period, Norwegians enthusiastically observe this holiday with religious fervor and traditional customs.
In Norway, Palm Sunday is known as 'Palmesøndag'. The holiday doesn't involve actual palm branches due to the country's geographical location, which doesn't support the growth of palm trees. Instead, Norwegians use pussy willow branches, which are more accessible. Children go around their neighborhoods with these decorated branches, singing traditional hymns and psalms. This custom, which is known as 'Palmesøndag processions,' is akin to Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and is observed with much delight among the community.
Apart from the Palm Sunday processions, an integral part of the Norwegian Palm Sunday tradition is the reading of Passion Plays on radio and television. These are dramatic presentations depicting the suffering (Passion) of Christ, and they serve as an important reminder of the significance of Holy Week. Palm Sunday, thus, remains a day of spiritual significance, reflection, and devotion in Norway, setting the tone for the Holy Week that follows.