Maundy Thursday Also known as Holy Thursday Georgie, Louisa and Alice

What is it? It is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter, it commemorates the maundy and the last supper of Jesus Christ and the disciples. It is called maundy because it comes from a Latin word meaning commandment it is given the name to recall the commandment that Jesus gives his disciples at the meal 'to love one another just as Christ loved them' This year Maundy Thursday is on the 13th of April!

How is it marked by Christians? In many Roman Catholic churches there are services where the priest will wash 12 people's feet just like Jesus washed his 12 disciples feet. In many churches there will be a communion service where bread and wine will be shared to celebrate Jesus establishing the Eucharist at the last supper and remembering his death. In Britain the monarch takes part in the ceremony of the royal maundy and this happens at a cathedral where the monarch distributes money to the citizens They do a foot-washing in remembrance of how Christ humbles himself and washed the feet of his disciples is a powerful reminder of how we are to live the Christian life( Philippians 2:1-11)

Why is it celebrated? Marking the day when Jesus had a last Supper with his disciples is important as it reminds Christians that Jesus came to serve and should follow this example. By washing his disciples feet Jesus was taking on the role of a servant which is how Christians are reminded to be humble and willing to serve others. Jesus' prediction of his own betrayal and death are significant points of reflection for Christians. Jesus' death was never for human salvation. Fun fact!! In England it is traditional for the king or queen to give out money to some of their people, often to people in need. This is often a small bag of silver coins that have been specially made for the occasion this has been going on since 1662.

Different views on Maundy Thursday People take into consideration about the Eucharist but can celebrate it in different ways such as washing people's feet, giving out money, food and support to people that need it.