Cultural aspects in Christian and Islamic religions - unesdoc - Unesco

of this Palm Sunday, parents dress their children
up with fine clothes and pick for them beautiful
candles that vary in color and shape, decorated
with colored satin ribbons.
The congregation then carries the candles
in procession either in the church or outside
chanting ‘Hosanna in the heavens’ whereas the
church bells toll. The Priest blesses the branches
that are carried in the procession. At the end of
the ceremony, olive branches are distributed
to the congregation as a blessing, and each
member of the congregation takes his/her branch
home respectfully. Some of the faithful place the
branches above the entrance door of their homes,
and others see in them the hope of Resurrection.
Holy Week (Passion Week)
On the Eve of Palm Sunday starts the rite of ‘arrival
to harbor’ (al wusul ila al mina’) in the Maronite
Church, the rite of Lights (naheeré) for Chaldeans,
the rite of the ten virgins for Syriacs, and the Prayer
of the Spouse (salat al khatn) for Byzantines.
The church is in mourning and all decoration is
removed.
All ceremonies during Passion Week and its
liturgy are an embodiment of the major stages of
Salvation as mentioned in the Holy Scriptures and
as lived by the early Christians and maintained in
the tradition of the Church. The faithful attempt
to follow in the footsteps of the last stages of the
life of Christ, the Savior, just like they take part in
all the spiritual and human stages of the life of
Christ, the Redeemer.
In the first days of the week, the Church brings
people closer to those whose lives were a symbol
to the life of the Redeemer: Joseph, Son of Jacob,
who was sold by his own brothers; Isaac whose
father Abraham wanted to offer as a sacrifice; Job,
etc. The prophecies of the Prophets are heard as
well as their strong lamentations, all of which help
the faithful think more deeply and more clearly,
trying to follow in the steps of the life of the divine
Redeemer.
On Holy Wednesday, called Urbu’a’ Ayyub (Job), the
rite of Holy Unction is performed. Oil is blessed,
and is placed on the forehead of the believers as a
sign of repentance, consolation, and strength.
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