A symbol associated with pilgrimages to the Holy Land—as well as with holy places in which the relics of martyrs are venerated—is the palm branch. Instinctively, this symbol takes us back to the scene of Jesus’ Messianic entry into Jerusalem on a donkey amidst the cries of “Hosanna” and the waving of palm branches. We commemorate this event each year on Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord, when the palm and olive branches are blessed, followed by a procession to the church to celebrate Holy Mass, during which the account of the Passion is read.

We learn in archaeology that, for many centuries before the coming of Christ, the palm branch was already used as a symbol of victory. It was also a symbol of Judea for the Jews themselves as well as for the Romans. This can be attested by many written records that go back to the time of Christ

In Christian iconography, the palm branch is a symbol of martyrdom, the victory over evil through the declaration of faith in Christ even to the point of death. Generally, in addition to the symbols associated with a particular saint, martyrs are generally portrayed with a palm branch in their hand, as is written in the Book of Revelations, when John saw “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (Rev 7:9).

When we listen to an account of the witness of one of these our elder brothers and sisters in Christ, in our hearts we feel a sense of awe but also the doubt arises of whether we would be able to remain strong to the end like these holy people. I would also venture to say that the thought of martyrdom as the supreme witness for Christ has lost much of its appeal in our times marked by unbridled narcissism and egoism, along with a strong sense of ambition. On the other hand, if we do not have that one thing for which we are willing to lay down our life, there is a great chance that we neither have anything for which we want to live, nor anything that influences our path in life.

There is only a little further left to go, and you will have reached the destination of your pilgrimage. It would not be a bad idea to think of the palm branch you strive to wave throughout your life. Maybe it’s the palm branch of fame and success. It could also be of victory over fellow brethren or some other personal gain. Are you probably more likely to wave the flag of a party or a club that instantly creates division, rather than the palm branch of Christ’s victory? Do not worry; you still have time to discard the banners that you carry and instead begin to carry the palm branch and the Cross of Christ.

Book of Revelation19: Song of Victory and Wedding Day of the Lamb
¹After this I heard what seemed to be the mighty voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying,
“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
² for his judgments are true and just;
he has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication,
and he has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
³ Once more they cried,
“Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”
⁴ And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who is seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” ⁵ And from the throne came a voice crying,
“Praise our God, all you his servants,
you who fear him, small and great.”
⁶ Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying,
“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
⁷ Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
⁸ it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Revelations 19:1-8