Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a Christian observance recognised globally to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles as portrayed in the New Testament of the Bible. The term “Maundy” originates from the Latin word “Mandatum”, meaning commandment, which refers to the instructions Jesus gave his followers on this day. The central themes of this observance lie in the acts of humility, service and sacrifice; demarcated through the ecclesiastic rituals of washing of feet, receiving the eucharist and participating in the vigil service.

The tradition of foot washing by the Monarch, an integral part of Maundy Thursday, dates back to the 13th century in England and symbolises Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. Though the monarch no longer performs this act, the ritual has evolved into the Maundy Money ceremony, where the monarch gives alms to deserving senior citizens. This reflects the Christian ethos of serving the needy, essentially making it a pertinent aspect for the people of the United Kingdom.

In the contemporary United Kingdom, Maundy Thursday is marked by Church services adopting the ritual of foot washing, reliving the humble act of Jesus. Some churches involve all congregants in foot washing, while others limit it to the clergy and church members willing to participate in this act of humility and service. The Royal Maundy Service, wherein the Queen distributes specially minted Maundy money to selected pensioners, represents an enduring connection to the historical tradition. Maundy Thursday falls on the day before Good Friday, which is part of the Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday and varies each year depending on the lunar calendar.