Maundy Thursday 2025 - Christian Observance Date & Significance

Why do Christians observe Maundy Thursday? 

Maundy Thursday is a day set aside to remember Christ's "mandate"; the word "maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means command. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34). 

Christ gave His disciples this commandment on the Thursday of the final week before He was crucified and raised from the dead. 

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How do Christians observe Maundy Thursday?   

There are Maundy Thursday worship services held by numerous churches, but there is no set service format or way to observe this holy day. Communion service and a foot-washing ritual are common parts of Maundy Thursday celebrations in many churches. Christians can reflect on the sacrifice made by Jesus and his directive to love and serve others by using these customs.  

1. Communion: During Maundy Thursday worship services, Christians frequently partake in a simple meal of bread and wine, also known as the Lord's Supper or Communion, to commemorate the Last Supper. 
2. Night vigil: To commemorate Christ's time spent in the Garden of Gethsemane, some Christians might hold an all-night vigil in the church. 
3. Chrism Mass: According to Jewish custom, the Last Supper was held on the Passover holiday, as recorded in the three Gospels. The Mass of the Lord's Supper or service of worship is usually celebrated in the evening. The special service is known as Chrism Mass in certain denominations of Christianity. People renew the promises they made on baptism. The holy oils used for sacraments are also blessed on this day.   
4. Distribution of Maudy coins: In England, the practice of giving out coins, also referred to as Maundy money or Royal Maundy, in red and white purses dates back to King Edward I. Special coins known as Maudy coins are also distributed.  

1. Foot washing: A few chosen poor people would also have their feet washed by the monarch in England. This custom of the monarch in England washing their feet persisted until 1689. 
2. Tenebrae Service: Tenebrae translates roughly to "shadows," "darkness," "death," or "night" in Latin. One of the oldest customs in the Christian church for remembering Christ's suffering and death is a Tenebrae service. The narrative of Christ's betrayal, trial, and crucifixion is told through Scripture readings and hymns. Candles are extinguished as the Passion narrative progresses, and the darkness grows darker until, with Christ's death, there is only one light left to burn. The removal of this light from the sanctuary represents Christ's three days in the tomb. 
3. Seder Supper: Some churches observe Maundy Thursday by including the Seder meal. Typically, this meal is consumed on the first night of Passover, the seven-day Jewish spring festival honouring the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. 
4. Stripping the Sanctuary: The stripping of the sanctuary, which takes place in complete silence and a leisurely, systematic manner, wraps up Thursday. The custom, which dates back to the seventh century, was initially used to clean the sanctuary in time for Easter when everything is renewed. But over time, the ritual evolved into a separate ceremonial function. 

What do people eat on Maudy Thursday? 

A family can prepare a number of traditional recipes to celebrate Maundy Thursday. Christian households will likely eat foods like rosemary buns, lamb, and Swabian Maultaschen as they celebrate the first day of the Holy Triduum.  

In German-speaking countries, Maudy Thursday is also known as Gründonnerstag or Green Thursday is that it emphasises the custom of faithful Christians historically participating in a day of bodily purification in anticipation of Easter on Holy Thursday. Many believed that this cleansing process included eating wholesome meals that included green vegetables and herbs. 

Given the significant presence of Syrian Christians in Kerala, Maundy Thursday and the day after Good Friday are observed as statewide public holidays. It is customary to consume Pesaha appam or Indariyappam on this day in Kerala.

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