Maundy Thursday meaning: the Thursday before Easter when many Christians remember Jesus’ Last Supper, his “new commandment” to love one another, and (in many churches) the foot-washing story that models humble service. It’s also widely called Holy Thursday and, in many traditions, it opens the Paschal Triduum (the three-day observance leading into Easter).
Quick Answer
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter. Many Christians commemorate:
- The Last Supper (often linked to Holy Communion / Eucharist),
- Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (a symbol of humility and care),
- The “new commandment”: love one another (John 13:34).
At a glance (USA)
- In 2026 (USA): Thursday, April 2, 2026
- Comes right before Good Friday and right before Easter weekend.
- Also called Holy Thursday / Thursday of the Lord’s Supper.
Meaning of Maundy Thursday in plain English
In plain terms, Maundy Thursday is a Holy Week day that helps explain what Easter season is about. It looks back to a final meal Jesus shared with his disciples and highlights a simple theme many churches emphasize: love expressed through service.
Simple examples
- “Our church holds a Maundy Thursday service each spring.”
- “Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter.”
Common mistake + fix
- ❌ “maundy thursday”
- ✅ Maundy Thursday (capitalize both words in formal writing)
Why it’s called “Maundy”
The word Maundy is linked to the Latin mandatum (“command/mandate”), tied to Jesus’ new commandment to love one another (John 13:34). That’s why you’ll often see Maundy explained as “commandment” in simple guides.
Common mistake + fix
- ❌ “Maundy means Monday.”
- ✅ Maundy is not related to Monday; it’s tied to mandatum / commandment.
What Christians remember on Maundy Thursday
Different denominations emphasize different details, but these themes show up often:
1) The Last Supper and Holy Communion
Many Maundy Thursday services include Communion / the Lord’s Supper / Eucharist, connecting the day to the Last Supper story.
2) Washing of the feet (humble service)
Many churches reenact foot washing to remember the Gospel scene where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet—an act often taught as humility and care. Not every church does it every year, so it’s best to say “some churches” rather than “all.”
3) Beginning of the Paschal Triduum (in many traditions)
In many Western Christian traditions, Maundy Thursday marks the start of the Paschal Triduum (Maundy Thursday → Good Friday → Holy Saturday → Easter).
4) Late-night prayer and betrayal (Holy Week storyline)
Many Holy Week timelines also connect the evening to Jesus’ prayer and arrest narrative (often referenced around Gethsemane in teaching and services).
5) Catholic emphasis: Eucharist and priesthood (where taught)
In Catholic settings, Holy Thursday is commonly taught as connected to the institution of the Eucharist and also associated with the priesthood, and you’ll hear that language in diocesan resources.
Common Maundy Thursday traditions (and what they mean)
Here are practices you may see listed in church bulletins, school newsletters, or local news:
Foot-washing ceremony
A leader washes the feet of participants as a symbolic act of humility and service.
Mass/service of the Lord’s Supper
Many churches hold an evening service centered on Scripture readings and Communion.
Stripping of the altar
Some traditions remove cloths, candles, and decorations after the service to symbolize the coming sorrow of Good Friday.
Chrism Mass and holy oils (often earlier in Holy Week)
In many dioceses, the Chrism Mass includes blessing/consecration of oils used in sacraments through the year. The U.S. Catholic bishops’ resources describe these oils as ordinarily blessed at the Chrism Mass.
Royal Maundy (UK): what it is (and what it isn’t)
In the United Kingdom, Royal Maundy is a Church of England service held on Maundy Thursday where the monarch (or a royal representative) distributes special Maundy money to selected recipients as symbolic alms.
Important: this is one tradition, not the main definition of Maundy Thursday. The term primarily refers to the Christian Holy Week observance.
How to use “Maundy Thursday” correctly in writing
Style tips
- Capitalize: Maundy Thursday
- Add context for general readers: “the Thursday before Easter”
- In neutral settings (school/work), keep tone respectful and factual.
Good sentence patterns
- “Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter.”
- “Our church will observe Maundy Thursday with Communion.”
- “Maundy Thursday (also called Holy Thursday) comes before Good Friday.”
Common confusions (fast fixes)
- Maundy Thursday vs Holy Thursday: often the same day; wording depends on tradition.
- Maundy vs Monday: different words; Maundy relates to mandatum/commandment.
- “Easter Thursday”: can be ambiguous—some people mean the Thursday after Easter, so be precise and say Maundy Thursday for the pre-Easter day.
- Holy Thursday
- Thursday of the Lord’s Supper
- Holy Week
- Good Friday / Holy Saturday / Easter Sunday
- Paschal Triduum
- Foot washing (Mandatum)
Quick choice table
| Context | Best wording | Why |
|---|---|---|
| School worksheet | “the Thursday before Easter” | Clear for everyone |
| Church bulletin | “Maundy Thursday” / “Holy Thursday” | Standard liturgical terms |
| General audience blog | “Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), the Thursday before Easter” | Adds instant clarity |
| UK news | “Royal Maundy” | Names the specific tradition |
Mini quiz (with answers)
- What day comes right after Maundy Thursday?
- “Maundy” connects to a commandment or a month?
- Name one tradition some churches do on this day.
- Which is clearer for a mixed audience: “Maundy Thursday” or “the Thursday before Easter”?
Answer key
- Good Friday
- A commandment
- Communion / foot washing / stripping of the altar
- “the Thursday before Easter”
FAQs
What is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter when many Christians commemorate the Last Supper and foot washing, and it’s also known as Holy Thursday.
Why is it called Maundy Thursday?
“Maundy” is linked to Latin mandatum (“command/mandate”), commonly connected to the “new commandment” in John 13:34.
Is Maundy Thursday the same as Holy Thursday?
Often, yes—many communities use Holy Thursday as another name for Maundy Thursday.
When is Maundy Thursday in 2026 (USA)?
April 2, 2026.
Conclusion
Maundy Thursday meaning is simple: the Thursday before Easter, tied to the Last Supper, a call to love, and (in many churches) the symbol of humble service through foot washing. If your readers might not know church vocabulary, write it as “Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter)” for instant clarity.
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