Maundy Thursday in Australia

Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance in Australia. The day, also known as Holy Thursday, occurs during Holy Week and falls on the Thursday before Good Friday. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s last supper and the initiation of the Eucharist, which is observed in many Christian churches.

The Eucharist (or Communion) is offered at Maundy Thursday church services. ©iStockphoto.com/Wellford Tiller

What do people do?

Many churches, particularly Catholic churches, offer services that include the blessing of oils, feet washing and Communion (or Holy Eucharist). Many services are held in the evenings and some services focus on story-telling about the events that occurred prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Some churches offer communal meals after the service. A silent watch or prayer vigil may also be observed.

Many Australians start preparing for the Easter long-weekend break. Some families purchase hot cross buns or chocolate Easter eggs as a treat for their children. Many people start preparing for trips away in the countryside or hinterlands, or beaches that offer a quiet retreat. Byron Bay, in northern New South Wales, is a popular retreat around this time of the year.

Public life

Maundy Thursday is not a public holiday in Australia so schools, government offices and businesses are open. Public transport providers run to their usual schedules.

Background

Maundy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, a Christian sacrament that involves consecrating (or making holy) bread and wine. The term “Maundy” derives from the Latin word for “commandment”. The New Testament in the bible describes events that took place on Holy Thursday. These events include Jesus washing his disciples’ feet and the Last Supper before he was arrested.

Many Maundy Thursday church traditions come from practices that took place in Europe for many centuries. Since the time of the British settlement in Australia in the 18th century, many Europeans who moved to Australia took with them their customs and traditions, including Christian observances such as Maundy Thursday.

About Maundy Thursday in other countries

Maundy Thursday Observances

Related holidays

• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, April 1, 2012
• Good Friday ―Friday, April 6, 2012
• Easter Saturday ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• Easter Day ―Sunday, April 8, 2012
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 9, 2012

Other holidays in April 2012 in Australia

• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, April 1, 2012
• Good Friday ―Friday, April 6, 2012
• Easter Saturday ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• First day of Passover ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• Easter Day ―Sunday, April 8, 2012
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 9, 2012
• Easter Tuesday ―Tuesday, April 10, 2012
• Orthodox Good Friday ―Friday, April 13, 2012
• Orthodox Holy Saturday ―Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Last day of Passover ―Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Orthodox Easter ―Sunday, April 15, 2012
• Orthodox Easter Monday ―Monday, April 16, 2012
• Yom HaShoah ―Wednesday, April 18, 2012
• Anzac Day ―Wednesday, April 25, 2012
• Yom HaAtzmaut ―Thursday, April 26, 2012