Maundy, << MAWN dee, >> Thursday, also called Holy Thursday, is observed on the Thursday during Holy Week in the Christian calendar. It comes three days before Easter. Maundy Thursday celebrates two events of Jesus Christ’s last week on earth–washing the feet of His disciples and sharing the Last Supper with them.
The name Maundy probably comes from a Latin word that means mandate or commandment. It refers to Jesus’ commandment that His disciples wash one another’s feet as He had washed theirs. The commandment is linked with His words to the disciples (John 13:34): “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another.”
Special services on Maundy Thursday may include a reenactment of the washing of feet and the administering of Communion. Both acts help to visibly remind Christians of their share in Christ’s love.
