Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday History

Maundy Thursday is 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.

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.

Top facts about Maundy Thursday

• The Last Supper was Jesus Christ’s final meal. He shared it with his disciples and during the meal he predicted the betrayal of one of his disciples but still washed their feet.
• The cup that Jesus used during the last supper to drink wine from is referred to as the “holy grail” and has been the topic of many movies and books. It has been rumoured to still exist but it remains undiscovered.
• The Royal Maundy service used to involve the monarch washing the feet of the poor, in a tradition that dates back to at least the 4th century. The washing of feet is representative of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. This practice was discontinued in the 18th century.
• A full set of Maundy money amounts to four small coins, adding up to the equivalent of 10 pence. The coins are struck in sterling silver, rather than the usual cupro-nickel used for other denominations.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday Top Events and Things to Do

• Attend Maundy Thursday mass at your local church. There are typically several held throughout the day and it is a great way to get together with others from your Christian community and appreciate Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice together.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtags #MaundyThursday, #HolyThursday and #HolyWeek.
• One of the most prominent traditions in the UK is the distribution of Maundy Money by the reigning monarch. The Queen or King presents specially minted silver coins to a group of elderly recipients, representing the Church's obligation to the poor.
• Maundy Thursday provides an opportunity to visit and reflect at important religious sites throughout the UK. These can include cathedrals, such as Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, or Canterbury Cathedral, which hold special services and events during Holy Week.