Maundy Thursday will soon be celebrated in the UK and by Christians all around the world.
Queen Elizabeth II will take part in a special service at Leicester Cathedral to mark the occasion. The service itself dates all the way back to the medieval period and has undergone a number of changes over the centuries, though its core traditions have remained remarkably intact after all these years.
But just what exactly is Maundy Thursday? Here’s all you need to know about what it is, when it is, why it’s called Maundy Thursday, how it’s celebrated in the UK, what the origins of Maundy Thursday services are and how else it’s celebrated throughout the world.
What is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday …show more content…
Why is it called Maundy Thursday?
The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word ‘mandatum,’ which means command.
This refers to the command that Jesus gave his disciples to love each other during the Last Supper: ‘A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.’ (John 13:34, Revised Standard Version).
How is Maundy Thursday celebrated in the UK?
Queen Elizabeth II will observe Maundy Thursday by taking part in the distribution of alms at Leicester Cathedral with the Duke of Edinburgh, a tradition that dates all the way back to the Middle Ages.
The Royal Maundy will be distributed amongst 91 women and 91 men, a symbolic number that represents her 91 years of age.
All of the recipients will be senior citizens who will receive the Royal Maundy in honor of their service to the church and the local community.
What are the origins of Maundy Thursday services?
Maundy Thursday services date all the way back to the 13th century and used to involve the distribution of money to the poor and washing their …show more content…
$4.24 (£3) is for clothing while $2.12 (£1.50) is in lieu of provisions and $1.41(£1) is for the redemption of the Queen’s gown.
How else in Maundy Thursday celebrated around the world?
In addition to the distribution of alms by Queen Elizabeth II at Leicester Cathedral, the holiday is marked in unique ways by Christians all around the world.
Feet washing is still a tradition held in many Christian denominations around the world, including by the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Solemn Chrism Masses are also held on the day by many Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches. The Eastern Orthodox Church also marks the day with Vespers prayers and the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great.
In Sweden, the holiday, connected to ancient folklore about witches, often sees children dress up as witches and knock on doors for treats and Easter eggs. In Bulgaria, it marks the day when people traditionally color Easter eggs and begin to prepare for the Easter