Maundy Thursday Is Based on an Ancient Religious Bathing Practice

Apr. 1 2021, Published 11:29 a.m. ET

A religious ceremony noticed across various Christian denominations, Maundy Thursday is a sacred a part of the Holy Week leading up to Easter. Originating from the Latin "mandatum," this means that "command," it's discussed in the Bible (John 13:34) and is now a heralded tradition inside of Christianity.

Despite being an age-old part of probably the most international's largest religions, now not many know the true origin of Maundy Thursday and its core time period. So what precisely does Maundy mean? Here's a breakdown of what the day observes.

So, what does "Maundy" mean?

Maundy, also known as "Washing of the Feet" and "Pedelavium" is a sacred rite inside some Christian denominations that has a focus on bathing one's toes with non secular intent.

The Latin translation of John 13:34 reads: "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos." The verse features Jesus chatting with his disciples and interprets to "I give you a new commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you."

"Mandatum" (or "command") is the place we get "Maundy." According to the Bible story, Jesus gave this new commandment while washing his disciples' ft. And so, some modern-day Christians participate in some kind of foot-washing ritual to mark the occasion of Maundy Thursday.

Why is foot-washing so important to Christianity?

When Jesus washes the toes of the disciples, that humble action is later described as him instructing them live as servants and is seen through many for example of how Christians should act.

In many church buildings across the globe on Maundy Thursday, a unique foot-washing rite is held as part of Holy Week. The ceremonies are even going down this 12 months, albeit with COVID-19 rules still in impact. 

Maundy Thursday is the day prior to Good Friday.

Maundy Thursday also bears a bit of a dark facet within the higher context of the events of Holy Week in Christianity. In the story of the Last Supper, Jesus foretells his death, something that he pins on one of the very disciples sitting on the desk with him for that meal. 

"One of you will betray me," he says. Jesus then issues out that Judas Iscariot, one in every of his 12 disciples, will certainly be the only to turn on him.

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