Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday or the Thursday of the Lord's Supper, is a Christian feast observed during Holy Week on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, which is when Jesus instituted the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and gave a new commandment to love one another. The term "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum , meaning "commandment," referring to Jesus' instruction to his disciples to love and serve each other, exemplified by his washing of their feet
. Maundy Thursday marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum, the three-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, and is the fifth day of Holy Week. It is observed with special church services that often include the Mass of the Lord's Supper, the ceremonial washing of feet, the consecration of holy oils, and the stripping of the altar to symbolize Jesus' impending crucifixion
. In some traditions, such as in the UK, the day also includes the distribution of "Maundy money" to the poor, a practice dating back centuries
. Overall, Maundy Thursday is a solemn day emphasizing humility, service, and love, reflecting Jesus' actions and teachings from the Last Supper
