Quick Scoop
Maundy Thursday is called that because “Maundy” comes
from the Latin
mandatum, meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ new
commandment to “love one another” at the Last Supper. It’s the Thursday before
Easter, when Christians remember the Last Supper and Jesus washing his
disciples’ feet.
Why the name?
The word traces back through Latin and Old French to
the idea of a command or mandate. Churches use the name to point to Jesus’
words in John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another.”
What it marks
Maundy Thursday is also known as Holy Thursday. It
commemorates:
- The Last Supper.
- The washing of the disciples’ feet.
- The institution of the Eucharist in many Christian traditions.
In plain English
So the name is basically a reminder of Jesus’ “new
commandment,” not a reference to Monday or to any secular event.
Short answer
It’s called Maundy Thursday because “Maundy” comes from
“mandatum,” Latin for “commandment,” linked to Jesus’ command to love one
another.