Yet in his "Revolution In Judaea: Jesus And The Jewish Resistance", Hyam Maccoby argues Jesus' crucifiction took place in the fall, claiming that's when palm fronds are most in evidence in the Holy Land.
Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, is a Biblically mandated Jewish festival celebrated variably from late SEP to late OCT when, it is claimed by Maccoby, palm fronds are most plentiful and are used to make roofs for huts, or 'upper rooms' customarily built atop then existing dwellings in which meals are mandated to be taken.
Not having yet been to Israel ("Next year in Jerusalem"), I cannot personally verify this. But it does seem interesting.
Thoughts?
I've read that and read the counterargument that the very fact palm fronds were scarce in the Spring is what made them such a special symbol of recognition.
I figure it's been in the Spring ever since it was first celebrated and given the number of intervening years and the fact that I'm not trying to make a buck or get my PhD by upsetting some applecart, Spring is good enough for me.