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Maundy Thursday

Mark Maundy Thursday with humility and service, as we remember Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. Let's spread love, kindness and forgiveness.

Thursday

March 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThursday Before Easter

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to usher in the Holy Week with spirituality and humility as we observe Maundy Thursday on March 28. Tracing its roots back to biblical times, the name "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word 'mandatum' or command, referring to Jesus' commandment to his disciples to love one another, as he loved them. It's the day that commemorates Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, symbolizing service and love. Through this day, we embrace the virtues of kindness, humility, and forgiveness, just as Jesus taught us. On Maundy Thursday, let's take time to reflect, serve, and love, as we are all united under the banner of humanity!

TIMELINE

Maundy Thursday Timeline

The Last Supper

Jesus had the Last Supper with His disciples, during which He washed their feet and gave them a new commandment, setting a precedent for Maundy Thursday.

Early Observances

By the middle of the 7th century, Christian churches began to hold special services on Maundy Thursday to commemorate Jesus' acts of love and service.

Royal Maundy Service

In England, a royal Maundy service was established where the monarch would wash the feet of the poor, mirroring Jesus’ act of washing His disciples' feet.

Shift in Royal Maundy Service

Instead of washing feet, English monarchs began to give out specially minted Maundy money to the poor, a tradition that continues to this day.

Global Observance

By the late 20th century, Maundy Thursday was widely observed globally by various Christian denominations with services emphasizing love, humility, and service.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Maundy Thursday

Offer your service

Embody the spirit of Maundy Thursday by offering your services to a local charity or people in your community who are in need. Be it cooking meals for the elderly, helping a neighbor with chores, or volunteering at a homeless shelter, use this day to show kindness and serve others just as Jesus did.

HOST

Host a foot-washing ceremony

In remembrance of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, host your own foot-washing ceremony at home. Invite family members or close friends to join you in this symbolic act of love and humility.

READ

Read and reflect upon Scripture

Spend some time reading Bible passages related to the event, such as John 13:1-17, and reflect on the teachings. You can also partake in a bible study group to have deeper discussions on the significance of the day.

CREATE

Create an artwork focused on love and service

Express yourself through art by creating pieces inspired by the themes of love, humility, service, and forgiveness. It could be a painting, a poem, a song or even a dance. Share these with your loved ones to spread the message.

Share a meal with loved ones

Nothing brings people together as well as sharing a meal. Host a get-together with your family and friends to commemorate the Last Supper. You can also use this time to talk about what Maundy Thursday means to you.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Maundy Thursday is Important

Uniting with Loved Ones

This day allows for meaningful bonding time with loved ones. It encourages you to share meals with your family and friends, reminiscent of the Last Supper, and instils the joy of coming together under the banner of humanity and love. It is also a chance to creatively express the key themes of the day through art, and share these expressions with your loved ones.

Promotes Love and Service

Maundy Thursday is an important reminder of the value of love and service. The day encourages us to extend help to others and spread kindness, embodying the spirit of humility and service as displayed by Jesus when washing the feet of his disciples. It's a day to put the needs of others before our own, just like Jesus did.

Reflection and Spirituality

Maundy Thursday provides a great avenue for spiritual reflection. It is a day to delve into Scripture, learn from Bible passages, and meditate on their teachings. It offers an opportunity to reevaluate our relationships with others and our service to them, allowing for spiritual growth.

Related holidays

Holy Week

A religious observance during the week before Easter commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life, including the Last Supper, crucifixion, and burial.