Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is an exciting time in Christian churches around the world. It’s the start of Holy Week which leads into Easter.
Children in our church, as well as many other churches, traditionally wave palm branches at the beginning of the service to signify the palm branches that were waved by the crowds, welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem.
Written in 1889 by Jean Baptiste Faure, “Les Rameaux” or as we know it, “The Palms” is the traditional hymn sung or played on this day. My Father was the Minister of Music at my church when I was growing up and I remember him directing this piece. My church choir here in Fairhope sometimes includes this song, but if they don’t, then the organist always includes it in the prelude to the service.
There have been many versions of this song, some under different names. I even found a performance of The Palms by a tuba choir! (HERE).
*
Here is a version of The Palms by the Crystal Cathedral Choir that includes the text.
Amazing to know that on this exact same day, voices around the world, both small and large, some sounding like happy and eager amateurs, some sounding like polished professionals, in all different languages, are singing the same hymn.
*
Happy Palm Sunday to you.
Thank you for sharing this. One of my all time favorite hymns. Blessings
And also with you.
I thought you were Baptist, but your comment above makes me think Episcopalian. Or Catholic? But you’re not Catholic. And the videos you show of your son leading worship is at a non-denominational church?
Hi Belinda. I’m not sure which comment you are referring to, but I grew up Baptist and Daddy always included this song in the Palm Sunday service. I’ve married into a different denomination and then we found a compromise, and throughout our journey, I’ve heard this song in several different churches. I think it’s fairly ecumenical. The video doesn’t have my son in it at all. It’s just one I found on the internet with the lyrics posted and I listed which church choir it was. Hope that clears it up! Happy Easter Season to you!
Love the old hymns. At Celebration Church we were singing praises of a more contemporary nature but the message is the same. Preparing the way in our hearts to accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
What a great time of year!
Glorious message in song from this great choir in celebration of Holy Week!!!! Thanks so much for sharing. Blessings to you & your family!
Thank you Barbara. Hope you enjoy this season with those you love.
I was looking for this as we tried a version at our choir practice last night but the arrangement was in such a high range we had to discard the idea.
Any idea where we can find either of these versions for purchase?
Thanks,
Paul Ugstad
First Presbyterian Church
Andalusia, AL
Sorry, I just write the story, not direct the choirs. Good luck because it’s a beautiful piece!
Is it possible to print The Palms Hymn? I would like a cope of it. I have not been able to find it in my hymnals?
The one I found on this post was just one I googled to find. That’s the best way for you to get what you need. Google can locate different versions, arrangements, lyrics and music sources. Good luck.