Numerous different events mark the Christian calendar during lent, including Maundy Thursday, but what exactly is it?
What is Maundy Thursday and when is it?
Maundy Thursday is also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, Sheer Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries.
It is a Christian holy day that falls on the Thursday before Easter and marks three days of Easter celebration.
It honours the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles and is followed by Good Friday.
This year Maundy Thursday has fallen on Thursday, April 13.
Are there any traditions associated with Maundy Thursday?
Until 1689, in England, the custom of washing the poor’s feet by the Monarch was carried out in Westminster Abbey.
Food and clothing would also be handed out to the poor.
These days, the Queen attends a Royal Maundy service at one of Britain’s cathedrals and “Maundy money” is given to pensioners from communities near the Cathedral where the Service takes place.
What is Maundy money?
Maundy money is made up of coins that have been specially minted for the occasion – they are legal tender and are highly collectable.
The image of The Queen on ordinary coinage has changed over the years, but Maundy coins still show the same portrait of HRH, by Mary Gillick, as the first coins issued in the year of her coronation in 1953.
As many elderly men and women as there are years in the Queen's age receive the Maundy money.
This year, it has been confirmed that the Queen will attend Maundy Service at Leicester Cathedral.
What are the other Easter dates to look out for?
Lent spans for 40 days, and there are numerous events celebrated in the Christian calendar during this holy period.
Here are all the Easter-related festivities to look out for…
Shrove Tuesday – February 28
Ash Wednesday – March 1
Palm Sunday – April 9
Spy Wednesday – April 12
Maundy Thursday – April 13
Good Friday – April 14
Holy Saturday – April 15
Easter Sunday – April 16
Easter Monday – April 17
/The Sun/
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