MAUNDY THURSDAY Meaning and
Definition
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Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is an important date in the Christian calendar that falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The term "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word "mandatum," meaning "commandment," referencing the instruction given by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper.
Maundy Thursday commemorates several significant events that occurred on the Thursday before Christ's crucifixion. It is primarily associated with the Last Supper, during which Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples and established the sacrament of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. This meal also served as the context for Jesus washing his disciples' feet, symbolizing the humility and servitude Christians should embody.
The day is often remembered through various religious practices, including church services, the Eucharist, and foot-washing ceremonies performed by clergy. Many Christians also participate in a special ritual known as the "Maundy Thursday Mass" or "Mass of the Lord's Supper," where priests renew their priestly vows and bless the holy oils used throughout the year in sacraments.
Apart from its spiritual significance, Maundy Thursday is associated with customary observances in different cultures. In some countries, monarchs or heads of state perform acts of charity, known as the "Royal Maundy," by distributing specially minted coins to selected individuals, symbolizing Jesus' act of washing the feet of his disciples. The day is also recognized as the beginning of the Easter Triduum, a three-day period of reflection, solemnity, and spiritual preparation, culminating in the joyous celebration of Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Common Misspellings for MAUNDY THURSDAY
- naundy thursday
- kaundy thursday
- jaundy thursday
- mzundy thursday
- msundy thursday
- mwundy thursday
- mqundy thursday
- mayndy thursday
- mahndy thursday
- majndy thursday
- maindy thursday
- ma8ndy thursday
- ma7ndy thursday
- maubdy thursday
- maumdy thursday
- maujdy thursday
- mauhdy thursday
- maunsy thursday
- maunxy thursday
Etymology of MAUNDY THURSDAY
The word "Maundy" in "Maundy Thursday" is derived from the Latin word "mandatum", which means "commandment" or "mandate". This term refers to the commandment Jesus gave to his disciples at the Last Supper, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus stated, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you". Thus, "Maundy Thursday" is a reference to the Thursday before Easter Sunday, when Christians commemorate the Last Supper and Jesus' mandate to love one another.
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