Maundy Thursday: Meaning, History, & Traditions Before Easter

What's in a name? Maundy Thursday, a day brimming with rituals and remembrance, holds a significance that stretches far beyond a simple calendar marker, offering a window into the very heart of Christian faith.

The observance of Maundy Thursday, the Thursday preceding Easter, is a cornerstone of Holy Week, a period rich in symbolism and spiritual reflection. This day, also known as Holy Thursday or Great Thursday in some traditions, is a poignant commemoration of the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ shared a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. Its a day when the weight of impending events casts a long shadow, yet it is also a celebration of love, service, and the establishment of the Eucharist.