Maundy Thursday Traditions: How do we celebrate Maundy Thursday?

Many Christians observe Maundy Thursday on the Thursday before Good Friday and Easter. The final supper of Jesus with his followers is commemorated on this day.

Jesus bathed his followers’ feet and gave them a new commandment during that dinner in the upper room: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). “Maundy” is derived from the Latin mandatum, which means “command.”

During Maundy Thursday worship services, Christians often engage in a modest supper of bread and wine commonly known as the Lord’s Supper or Communion in commemoration of the Last Supper. A Seder Supper, a Tenebrae service, and stripping the sanctuary are among the other customs.

The stripping of the sanctuary, which is done in perfect quiet and in a slow, ordered manner, often finishes the Maundy Thursday ceremony. The custom dates back to the seventh century, and it was originally used to clean the sanctuary in preparation for Easter when everything is made fresh. However, with time, the practice evolved into a ceremony in its own right.