Maundy Thursday in Australia ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Maundy Thursday in Australia and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Maundy Thursday in Australia and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Maundy Thursday is the day on which Christians commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. It is the Thursday of Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
In Australia, Maundy Thursday is not a public holiday. However, many churches hold special services on this day. The day is also sometimes known as Sheer Thursday, Green Thursday or Silent Thursday.
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and gave them the mandate (or command) to love one another. This act is known as the Mandatum. ‘Maundy’ comes from the Latin word for ‘mandate’.
Footwashing is often included in Maundy Thursday services as a way of remembering Jesus’ example of servanthood. In some churches, people wash each other’s feet; in others, the clergy wash the feet of selected parishioners.
Maundy Thursday is a day of fasting and prayer in many Christian traditions. It is a day to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and to prepare for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.