Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter. It was the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples, sharing a meal with them which we now call the Last Supper.

In those days, it was usual for a servant to wash the feet of guests on arrival. On this occasion there was no servant present and none of the disciples volunteered to do the menial task.

Instead, Jesus got up and washed his disciples' feet, giving them a lesson in humility and service.

In some churches, priests carry out a ceremonial washing of the feet of 12 men on Maundy Thursday.

The word maundy comes from the Latin word "mandatum," meaning to mandate. It refers to Christ's commandment at the Last Supper that his disciples should love one another.

The commandment can be found in John 13:34.

In some countries this day is known as Holy Thursday.

From www.thisischurch.com