Maundy Thursday 2025 in the United Kingdom

Maundy Thursday, observed during Holy Week, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. It marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum and highlights Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet, symbolizing humility and service.

Maundy Thursday: A Public Holiday?

Maundy Thursday is not a public holiday in the UK. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours, though many churches hold special services and ceremonies to mark the occasion.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It is observed on the Thursday before Easter and marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, leading to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment," referring to Jesus' commandment to love and serve one another, as demonstrated by him washing the feet of his disciples. This act symbolizes humility, service, and the essence of Christian love.

Observance on Maundy Thursday in the UK

Maundy Thursday has a long and unique history in the UK. Since the Middle Ages, British monarchs have taken part in the Royal Maundy, a ceremony rooted in the tradition of giving alms to the poor. Historically, monarchs would wash the feet of the poor to emulate Jesus' humility, though this practice has evolved. Today, the monarch distributes specially minted Maundy coins to a select number of elderly people, chosen for their service to their communities, with the number of recipients matching the monarch's age. This tradition has been held in different cathedrals across the country and remains an integral part of Maundy Thursday observances in the UK.

People in the UK celebrate Maundy Thursday in various ways, mostly through religious services and acts of community service. Churches hold special services that often include the washing of feet, re-enacting Jesus' gesture of humility and service. Many services also feature the Holy Communion, commemorating the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper. In some communities, people use this day to reflect on the themes of sacrifice, love, and service, participating in acts of charity or volunteering. The Royal Maundy ceremony, a highlight of the day, emphasizes the importance of caring for others and acknowledging the service of community members.

Maundy Thursday is significant for Christians in the UK as it reminds them of the importance of humility, selfless service, and Jesus' enduring message of love. It serves as a moment to reflect deeply on the events leading up to Easter, preparing believers spiritually for the solemnity of Good Friday and the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Maundy Thursday Observances