As Orthodox Easter quickly approaches, the Greek community prepares to carry out its annual spiritual and cultural traditions.
One tradition is creating the Holy Cross out of a palm leaf ahead of Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds greeted him with palm branches, hailing him as the Messiah.
In the Greek Orthodox faith, parishioners gather to weave palm leaves into crosses, which symbolise victory and peace. The significance of the palm leaves stretches back to ancient times, with references in both Jewish and Christian scriptures.
These special crosses, which have been passed down through generations, serve as a reminder of Christ’s presence among believers, and are handed out ahead of his Crucifixion.
How to make the Holy Cross:
- Step 1: Hold palm pointing up; about 5-6 inches from the bottom, fold top over keeping the long part toward you.
- Step 2: About 1½-inches from the top, fold long end on the diagonal to the right, making a right angle.
- Step 3: Wrap the long end around the upright 2½ times – this is important!
- Step 4: Flip it over.
- Step 5: Make an arm about 1½–2-inches, folding the long end toward you.
- Step 6: Make second arm, folding on the left.
- Step 7: Make a diagonal fold so the long end points up.
- Step 8: Slip the point of the long end behind the centre loops.
- Step 9: Loop the long end a 2nd time behind the centre loops; pull taut to secure the cross. The top piece may be adjusted by pulling on the base.
