Palm Sunday, without hands and without feet

This coming Sunday, April 13th, the long-awaited Holy Week will begin. We already told you a little about its history and some interesting details in another article. That's why, this time, we've decided to focus on a very popular expression that is widespread throughout the country: On Palm Sunday, whoever doesn't wear new clothes will be left without feet and hands.

To begin with, it's important to keep in mind that for a very long time (and until not too many years ago), going to Mass on Sunday didn't only have a religious significance. For many, it was their day off, and therefore, after the service, they could go for a walk, meet up with friends, etc.; in other words, there was a very important social component. Many families, especially those from the lower classes, couldn't afford to have several styles of clothing to choose from: typically, wardrobes consisted of work clothes and the Sunday clothes, which was the most elegant garment reserved for special occasions, such as Mass, celebrations, etc.

And if Sunday was a special occasion, how could Palm Sunday not be even more important? It's the day that begins Holy Week and commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, that is, his acceptance as the Messiah.

The disciples went and did as Jesus had commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, put their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:1-11)

This special date is considered a time of rebirth and renewal, of leaving behind the old and the bad, and ushering in the new and the good. Furthermore, Holy Week typically marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, associating, once again, the end of the dead soil with flowering. Therefore, if someone doesn't wear new clothes, they will be left without feet and hands, meaning they won't enjoy good luck or any blessings.