Today marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, and the fifth day of Holy Week in Christian Calendars.
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is being observed all over the world today.
Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day, falling on the Thursday before Easter. Maundy is also called washing of the feet and is a religious rite observed by several Christian denominations. Maundy Thursday honors the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles.
Maundy Thursday “celebrations” contrast with the joyous Easter celebrations that will happen Sunday. The day follows Spy Wednesday—the day, in which Judas betrayed Jesus.
According to the Bible, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples before they shared the Passover meal. This was an act of service similar to shining shoes. By washing their feet, Jesus “showed them the full extent of his love.”
In many denominations, Christians practice foot-washing ceremonies on Maundy Thursday to demonstrate love through humble service.
In addition to foot-washing ceremonies, many churches hold special Communion services because the practice of Communion comes from the events of the Last Supper as they are written in the Bible. Similarly, many congregations observe traditional Passover Seder meals.
Maundy Thursday also initiates the Easter Triduum, also known as The Three Days, which recalls the passion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The Triduum begins with the liturgy on Maundy Thursday and ends with the evening prayer on Easter Sunday.
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