ALT-2 The Significance of Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a Christian feast or holy day, which takes place on the Thursday before Easter. It celebrates the last supper between Jesus and the Apostles. It is also known as Holy Thursday, but is not called Maundy Thursday all over the world, it is dependant upon country and religion what people call this holy day. On this day it is also a tradition to wash the feet as Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles, this religious act goes back many years. Some Christian churches still take part in the ritual of the washing of the feet.
In the United Kingdom the Maundy Thursday celebrations are held by the Monarch. Queen Elizabeth II has been offering alms to senior citizens since 1952. Coins, known as Maundy money are given out to one man and one women depending on the sovereigns age. A red and a white purse is handed out, the red purse contains standard currency and is given instead of food and clothes. The white purse contains specially minted 1,2,3, and 4 penny coins, one for every year depending on the Sovereign's age. Until the death of King James II it was still customary for the monarch to wash the feet of poor people on Maundy Thursday.
In Malta Maundy Thursday is known as Communion Day and it is traditional that residents visit seven churches. This event was probably derived from Rome when the early pilgrims visited seven pilgrim churches. The name Maundy is said to have come from the Latin word Mandatum. This is the first word of the phrase which when translated to English is "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you". This verse is sang as an antiphon during the religious chorus of the washing of the feet. The word originates from the handing out of the purses to the poor before attending mass on this day.
Maundy Thursday has significance to many people all over the world. Although there are various ways in which the day is commemorate, it is all to mark the the last supper with Jesus and the Apostles. The day is always between the 19th of March and 22nd of April, as these are dates from the Julian calander when Easter traditionally falls. Overall, the significance of the day is celebrated by religious advocates who wish to remember Jesus and the glorious memories of the feast of the last supper. Maundy Thursday still remains a significant and prosperous day for those who celebrate at this time.
