Bishop says palm frond not an amulet against evil

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle reminded the Filipino faithful yesterday that the “palaspas” or decorative palm frond is not an amulet or protection against evil spirits but “a symbol of our acceptance of Jesus Christ in our homes.”

Tagle issued the statement as millions of Catholics in the country observed Palm Sunday yesterday, marking the start of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus Christ’s entry to Jerusalem, with people jubilantly welcoming him by waving palm branches. 

Palaspas, which have been blessed by the priest on Palm Sunday, are usually hung on the doors of houses instead of being returned to the Church to be burned for use in the following year’s Ash Wednesday.

It has also been the practice of many Filipinos to put the blessed palm leaves on their doors and windows, believing this would bring them luck and keep evil spirits from entering their homes.

“I hope that after the blessing of the palaspas we will really accept Jesus Christ as our savior. Let’s not use it as amulet or feeds to chicken. I know there are people who are doing that,” Tagle said.

Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, media director of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said that the palaspas has no magical powers.

Earlier, CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma discouraged the practice of some Filipinos to be nailed on the cross on Good Friday.

Palma issued the statement following reports that 20 people would be crucified on April 6 in barangays San Pedro Cutud, Santa Lucia and San Juan in Pampanga.

Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani also asked the faithful to look for other ways to show repentance for their sins instead of inflicting pain on themselves.