Maundy Thursday
According to the Bible, on the night before his death Jesus had a final meal with his friends. Before this festival meal for Passover, Jesus surprised them by washing each person’s feet, a task normally done by a servant. He wanted to show his followers that they should love one another in humble ways.
Later in the meal, known to Christians as the Last Supper, Jesus passed around bread and wine. He said the bread was his body, broken for them, and the wine was his blood, shed for them. He was telling them that he was going to die and that when they shared bread and wine they should remember him. Christians share bread and wine at church services throughout the year, but it is especially important on Maundy Thursday. Later that night Judas betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Royal Maundy
The English custom of Royal Maundy can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Monarchs once washed the feet of poor people and gave them food and clothing. Today, instead of washing feet, The King presents specially made Maundy money in small red and white leather purses.
The silver coins in the white purse total the same number of pence as the King’s age. The same number of men and women receive the purses at a service held at a different cathedral or abbey each year. Recipients are chosen in recognition of their Christian service and the difference they have made in their communities.
Source: The Royal Family — Royal Maundy Service
