MMaundy Thursday: the meaning of this worldwide Christian holiday
This day is marked as the beginning of the Easter triduum, which culminates in the so-called resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For Christianity, Maundy Thursday has a transcendental meaning, as it is part of the foundation of its religion, as it is one of the last days of the earthly life of Jesus Christ, constituting the so-called Holy Week, a world-famous holiday. .
Remembering the Last Days of Jesus Christ
Holy Week begins with the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem on Sunday, called Palm Sunday, as it is said that He was greeted with palm trees and branches when He arrived in the city.
A few days later, on a Thursday, according to Christian belief, Jesus is betrayed by one of his disciples and then crucified on Good Friday and then resurrected on the Sunday known as Resurrection Sunday.
Maundy Thursday now always appears on the calendar three days before Easter.
This year for Western denominations it falls on April 14th. However, the Orthodox Churches of Greece and Romania will celebrate it until April 21, 2022.
Various dates to celebrate
This is because Western Christianity bases its holidays on the Gregorian calendar, while Orthodox churches base their holidays on the Julian calendar.
Another important point to note is that Maundy Thursday depends on the date of Easter, which is based on the lunar calendar and therefore shifts every year, but always falls on the first Sunday after the moon after the vernal equinox.
Regardless of when it is celebrated, Maundy Thursday kicks off the Easter triduum, a three-day period commemorating the Passion (last hours), death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The Bible and the Christian faith say that the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles before his crucifixion took place on Maundy Thursday.
During this meal, Jesus foretells the betrayal of one of his disciples and that Peter will deny knowing him three times.
In addition, the washing of the feet takes place, from which the name of this day comes.
Maundy, from Old French mand and Latin mandatum, means mandate.
During the Last Supper, Jesus gave a new commandment as he washed the feet of his disciples: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Those who observe this day usually celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, distributing bread and wine to those present at the service, considering the first to be the body of Christ, and the second to be His blood.