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Maundy Thursday also known as ‘Holy Thursday’ is part of Easter celebrations, marking the last day of Lent and to represent the last supper, the final meal Jesus and his 12 disciples shared before he was crucified the next day, also known as Good Friday.

Maundy Thursday predates the ‘Paschal Triduum’ or ‘Easter Triduum’, a period which marks the beginning of the three days, marked by the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The day is commemorated as a day when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and is celebrated as such by the washing of feet by priests to the congregation.

Today, marks the beginning of Holy Week, (the week that leads up to Easter, also known as ‘Resurrection Sunday’) and the last Sunday of Lent (a religious observance commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation from Satan).

Also known as the ‘Passion Sunday’ in the Christian tradition, ‘Oshana Sunday’ or ‘Hosanna Sunday’ in Syriac Christianity. It is marked as a day commemorating Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Written in all four Gospels of the Bible, Palm Sunday marks another fulfilment of prophecy from the book of Zechariah and to reflect on His selfless love. As he rode into the town on a donkey, he was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of praise.

“Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest” (John 12:13)

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ” (Matthew 21:5)

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
    righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)