The first day of the Paschal Triduum.

The Thursday of Holy Week has been known since early times as Maundy Thursday. This is the day that commemorates the Last Supper, the Institution of Holy Eucharist, and Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet, as related in the Gospel of John, 13:1-20. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum (commandment) reflecting Jesus' words "I give you a new commandment."

In the Christian tradition, Maundy Thursday is the first day of the Paschal Triduum, the three day period which commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The period includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and ends with Easter Vigil on Saturday evening before Easter Sunday.