Maundy Thursday is one of the key Christian observances in the Holy Week of Easter.
It falls the day before Good Friday, and three days before Easter Sunday, with the date changing accordingly each year.
The celebration commemorates the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, much to their discomfort – a Christian rite known as “Maundy”.
In the UK, it has become well known for the tradition of the monarch offering “alms” to deserving senior citizens on the day, distributing commemorative “Maundy money”.
King Charles took the place of his mother last year due to her mobility problems, and will now perform the duty as head of state for the first time.
When is Maundy Thursday?
This year, Maundy Thursday falls on Thursday 5 April – it can be any date between 19 March and 22 April.
The Easter week is calculated based on the phases of the moon and the coming of spring, as established by the Christian Church’s council of Nicaea.
It decided that Easter would be designated as the Sunday immediately following the Pascha (or Passover) full moon, the first to appear after the Spring Equinox.
Maundy Thursday’s ties with Passover are close – the Last Supper was a Passover Seder shared between Jesus and his disciples.
What is the meaning of Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday commemorates the biblical story of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, much to their discomfort – a Christian rite known as “Maundy”.
At that time, people would wear open sandals and walked on dirty streets, so the lowest servant would usually wash people’s feet.
His performing of the Maundy – to an uncomfortable reaction from his followers – was therefore a demonstration of humility and an entreaty for his disciples to always treat each other as equals.
According to the Gospel of John, he told his followers: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
Jesus’s message was made more poignant by the knowledge that Judas would betray him that evening, leading to his arrest and crucifixion.
What are the origins of Maundy money?
The teachings of the Biblical story have inspired the main observances around Maundy Thursday.
Some priests wash the feet of church attendees on the date as part of their service, as a reminder of Jesus’s actions.
Instead of washing people’s feet, the monarch marks the date by giving out special commemorative coins called Maundy money, a tradition with its origins in medieval times.
The money is distributed to people who have aided their local community or church in some significant way, with a man and woman recognised for each year of the monarch’s life.
Every year Queen Elizabeth II travelled to a church in a different UK location for the Royal Maundy Service, and this tradition is continuing following the accession of her son, King Charles III.
This year, the service is being held at the York Minister cathedral, and Charles will attend alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort.
Continuing with the tradition, 74 men and 74 women selected from dioceses across the country will receive the Maundy gift, reflecting the age of the King.