Creating Palm Crosses: A Fun Easter Tradition for the Whole Family
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and one of the most cherished traditions is crafting palm crosses from blessed palm strips. At A&M Palm, we've seen countless families come together to participate in this meaningful activity that helps children connect with their faith while developing their creativity and fine motor skills. The simple act of weaving palm strips into crosses becomes a beautiful teaching moment, allowing parents to share the story of Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem while engaging in a hands-on activity.
Making a palm cross is easier than you might think! Start by selecting a fresh, flexible palm strip about 40” inches long. Hold the strip vertically and fold the top third down to form a right angle. Next, bring the bottom portion behind the horizontal piece and fold it toward the right, creating a loop. Take the remaining length and weave it through the loop from front to back, then fold it up through the center. Finally, gently pull both ends to tighten the cross shape, and trim any excess palm to create clean edges. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes once you get the hang of it.
Children particularly enjoy this craft because it gives them a sense of accomplishment and ownership in their faith journey. The tactile experience of folding and weaving the palm helps keep young hands busy while minds stay engaged with the Easter story. We recommend letting kids practice with several strips until they feel confident – remember, it's not about perfection but participation. Once completed, these handmade crosses can be displayed on refrigerators or bulletin boards throughout the Easter season, serving as beautiful reminders of Palm Sunday's significance. For best results, we suggest working with slightly dampened palm strips, as they're more pliable and less likely to crack during folding.