The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-31
PALM SUNDAY CEREMONIES
Observed in Medieval Style at st.
Peters in Rene.
Many Strangers Witness the Impos-
ing SoIcnnities-A Multitude of
Americans ThronTiBE the Eter-
nal City at the Present Time.

The quaint medieval customs attendant
on Palm Sunday in the olden time have
died away in most places. but the Eternal
City is still the headquarters at this time
OF many pilgrims from all parts of the
Garth The ceremonies of Easter at
Rome-of what is there called Holy
Week'-ccmmence on Palm Sunday. To
witness these rites il is estimated that
not fewer than four thousand foreigners
are now assembled in the city, large
proportion of them Americans and Pro-
testants During Holy Week the stores
are kept open, and concerts aad other
smusements are given; but theatrical
performances are forbidden. The chef
external differences are in the churches
where affairs. crucifiNes, and pictures are
generally hung in mourning.
At about O'Clock on Palm Sunday
morning. St Peters, having received a
great crowd of people (Which, however, Is
almost lost in that vast building, all IN
their best attire. ore of the Papal regi-
ments enters. and forms a clear passage
up the central aisle. Shortly afterward
the noble guard" as it is called. Of the
Pope-a superior body of men-takes its
place and the corps diplomatique and dis
tincnlshed ecclesiastics arrive, all taking
space behind the high altar. which Is lit
tingly draped for the occasion The Pope S
chief sacristan now brings an armful
of palms, and places them on the altar
These are sticks or stalks, each about
three feet long. resembling walking canes,
with bleached palm leaves tied on them
in tasteful, but quite artificial way.
The preparation OF these substitutes for
the natural palm is a matter Of heritage.
with which story IS connected. When
Sixtlrs Q5S5-S1l undertook to erect TN
the open space in front of st. Peters the
tan Egyptian obcIisk which formerly
adorned Neros circus, he forbade anyone
10 speak on pain of death, lest the at
teution of the woTkmen should be divert
eli from their dangerous task. naval
officer of ST. Reno. who happened to be
present, foreseeing that the ropes would
take fire from the friction to which they
We're subjected. cried out to apply
water" He was Immediately arrested.
ard conducted before the Pontiff As the
cry had saved the ropes and prevented
loss of life, Sixtus could not enforce the
decree. and to show his munificence. he
offered the transgressor his choice OF "A
reward. Those persons who have visited
Italy, have probably observed the great
abundance Of palms which grow in the
neiEhsoThood of St Reno between Nice
and Genoa, and viii Tot be surprised 10
hear that the wish of the officer was to
enjoy the privilege Of supplying the Pom
tihcal ceremonies with palms The Pons
granted him the exclusive right and il
is stili enjoyed by one Of his family
At $50 burst of music is heard from
the choir. the soldiers present arms all
are on the tip-tOe OF expectation, and a
procession enters from a side chapel near
the doorway. All eyes are turned in this
direction. and the Pope is seen borne up
the centre of the magnificent basilica In
his 'sedia gestatoria." This chair of state
is liked on two long poles covered with
red velvet, and the bearers are twelve
oflclals. six before and six behind They
pear the ends of the poles on their Shout
ders and walk so steadily as not to cause
any uneasy motion. On this occasion. and
always Keeping in mind that the church