When is Maundy Thursday 2024 and where does the name come from?
We all know about Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but many of us aren’t aware of Maundy Thursday.
While we don’t get a day off for Maundy Thursday, it’s still an important date in the Christian calendar.
It’s considered the fifth day of Holy Week and is usually observed at different times by the Western and Orthodox churches.
As we look forward to the Easter weekend, here’s everything you need to know about Maundy Thursday.
When is Maundy Thursday?
In Christian tradition, Maundy Thursday always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.
This year, Maundy Thursday is on March 28.
What is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday commemorates Christ’s last supper with the apostles in Jerusalem before being crucified and resurrected.
The name derives from the Latin mandatum, which means “command”.
According to St John’s Gospel, at the meal Jesus had with his followers, he told them: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
Maundy Thursday also goes by other names including Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries.
How is Maundy Thursday celebrated?
Until 1689, it was customary for the monarch to wash worshippers’ feet in Westminster Abbey.
Food and clothing were also handed out to the poor.
Nowadays, feet washing remains a tradition only in the Catholic and Armenian Apostolic Churches. On this day, masses are also held by many Anglican churches.
On Maundy Thursday, the monarch attends a Royal Maundy service at one of Britain’s cathedrals or royal chapels.
Why does the monarch give out Maundy money?
During the Royal Maundy Service, men and women from all over the country are given special coins in small purses handed to them by the monarch.
These coins are designed for the occasion, and are legal tender and highly collectable.
During the service, the monarch will present each recipient with two purses: one red and one white. The white purse will contain a set of specially minted silver Maundy coins equivalent in value to the age of the monarch.
The red purse will contain two commemorative coins, symbolising the Sovereign’s historic gift of food and clothing.
This year, Queen Camilla will step in for King Charles, who will miss the services as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
What are the other Easter 2024 dates?
During the 40 days of lent, there are various days that are commemorated in the Christian calendar. These include:
Shrove Tuesday – February 13
Ash Wednesday – February 14
Palm Sunday – March 24
Spy Wednesday – March 27
Maundy Thursday – March 28
Good Friday – March 29
Holy Saturday – March 30
Easter Sunday – March 31
Easter Monday – April 1