why is it called maundy thursday

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.