It’s Palm Sunday, the beginning of the Christian Holy Week, leading up to the celebration of Easter next Sunday, April 9.

Millions of Christians worldwide carry palm leaves in processions today to recall Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem for Passover week nearly 2,000 years ago, when cheering crowds waved palms, hailing what they expected to be a political savior.

Jesus was later crucified by the Romans with crowds shouting approval, according to Gospel accounts.

Commemorating Palm Sunday with palm branches goes back to the early Christian church. It remains a favorite among parishioners, who are handed palm branches or palm crosses as they enter the church at many services.