Maundy Thursday

What the day means

The name comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning commandment. This refers to the instruction Jesus gave to wash the feet of others and to love each other. The observance begins the three-day period that leads to Easter. Christians view this time as a journey into the heart of their faith, moving from celebration to mourning and finally to resurrection.

How it is kept

Many churches hold a Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening. A priest or bishop may wash the feet of twelve people to show service. Some traditions strip the altars bare to symbolize abandonment. Bells fall silent until the Easter Vigil. In the Philippines and England, the day is a public holiday. People often attend special services rather than work during these hours of reflection.

Names and origins

Different groups use different titles for the day. Catholics often call it Holy Thursday, while Anglicans prefer Maundy Thursday. Eastern Orthodox churches refer to it as Great and Holy Thursday. The Nordic term Shere Thursday links to cleaning or brightness. The practice dates back to early church records from the second century, establishing a long tradition of remembrance.

Royal and civic rites

In the United Kingdom, the Monarch performs the Royal Maundy service. Senior citizens receive specially minted coins in red and white purses. This custom started under King Edward I. Historically, the sovereign also washed feet, a practice stopped after James II. The event rotates among churches in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, blending religious duty with national ceremony.

How Maundy Thursday is kept

Christians attend evening services called the Mass of the Lord's Supper. Clergy may wash the feet of parishioners to demonstrate humility. Altars are stripped of decorations to reflect sorrow. Bells remain silent until Easter morning. In some countries, the day is a legal holiday allowing full participation in worship without work distractions.

When and where

It falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The date changes every year because Easter depends on the lunar calendar. Western churches follow the Gregorian system, while Eastern churches often use the Julian calendar, leading to different dates.

The observance takes place in churches worldwide. It holds particular significance in the Philippines and the United Kingdom where it is an official public holiday. Nordic countries also maintain strong cultural ties to the day through specific naming conventions and local customs.

What Maundy Thursday means

The day represents service and love. Washing feet shows that leaders must serve others. Stripping altars reflects the betrayal and suffering of Jesus. The silence of bells creates a space for deep prayer. The entire sequence prepares believers for the hope of the resurrection that follows on Easter Sunday.

Questions people ask about Maundy Thursday

See also

Holy Week in the PhilippinesAn eight-day observance of the Passion, death, and resurrection of Christ in the Philippines.Mother's DayA worldwide annual celebration dedicated to mothers, maternal bonds and family careChristmas EveThe evening before Christmas, marked by church services, family meals, and gift preparations across Christian cultures.Saint David's DayThe national feast day of Wales, marked with parades, poetry contests and daffodils

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Maundy Thursday on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.