Unveiling the Significance of Maundy Thursday.

Maundy Thursday is observed as the fifth day of Holy Week leading up to Easter. It is a significant day for Christians worldwide, marking the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles before his crucifixion.

Maundy Thursday falls on Thursday, April 17 this year, following Palm Sunday. It is also known by various names like Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries. The day is followed by Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Day (Easter Sunday), with Easter Monday on April 21.

On Maundy Thursday, Christians remember Jesus washing his disciples' feet before the Last Supper, emphasizing the importance of serving others. The word "Maundy" originates from the Latin word "mandatum," meaning "command," referring to Jesus' command to love one another as he loved them.

During the Last Supper, Jesus is believed to have shared bread symbolizing his body and wine symbolizing his blood with his followers. This symbolic act is observed in Christian services through Communion, Mass, or Eucharist, where consecrated bread and wine are distributed to participants.

Following the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray, where he was later betrayed by Judas and arrested. Maundy Thursday traditions include foot washing, a practice continued in the Catholic and Armenian Apostolic Churches.

In the UK, Maundy Thursday is historically marked by the monarch washing worshippers' feet and distributing food and clothing. The Royal Maundy service involves the monarch handing out special coins to elderly attendees. This tradition dates back to the reign of Charles II in 1662.

This year, King Charles III will present Maundy gifts to 74 men and 74 women, symbolizing his age, following the tradition started by Queen Elizabeth II. The Royal Maundy service will be held at York Minster Cathedral, continuing the long-standing practice of distributing Maundy money to commemorate Maundy Thursday.