In this icon, the focus of attention is on the portrait of Christ, seated sideways on a donkey. In contrast with emperors who rode mounted upon a war-horse, Christ rides the best of kings who come in peace. This fulfills Zachariah’s prophesy: “Behold your King is coming to you… mounted on a donkey” (Zach. 9:9). The colt “on which no one has sat” typifies the new people called from among the heathen.
The children also play a prominent role; in some icons, children are high in a tree cutting palm branches (symbol of joy and celebration as well as His victory over Satan and death). Another child spreads out his cloak before Christ’s advance; this is a sign of royal welcome (2 King 4:13). The Gospels specify the presence of children at this joyous event and the Church views them as the embodiment of the Biblical reference: “Out of the mouths of babes and infants hast Thou perfected praise” (Ps. 8:3).
All four Evangelists record the triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem, a prefigurement of His final victory over death. At the same time, His Entry into Jerusalem images our Lord’s installation in the Kingdom of His Glory, the New Jerusalem shining in the Glory of the Lord.