Is it a public holiday in Germany and where does it get its name from?
origin and meaning
What is Maundy Thursday all about?
In 2021, the “Easter rest” decided by the federal government made headlines before the Easter holidays.
© Source: imago images/photonews.at
Maundy Thursday falls on the this year April 6th. It is the day before Good Friday, one of the most important holidays in the church year. What is Maundy Thursday? And what applies to employees?
What is celebrated on Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday symbolizes the last supper of Jesus. On this day, according to the gospel, the disciples met again and Jesus broke bread as the embodiment of his body and gave wine as his blood. To this day, this ritual action is celebrated at Holy Mass in both Catholic and Protestant communion.
Where does the name Maundy Thursday come from?
There are several theories as to where Maundy Thursday got its name from. The derivation from the Middle High German word “greinen”, which means something like “to lament”, is most frequently mentioned. This could be due to the last supper, after which Jesus is betrayed by Judas.
Other theories claim that the word “green” was defined as fresh, renewed, and sinless from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
The superstition that the word comes from green food also persists. Many therefore eat spinach or other green foods on Maundy Thursday. This theory cannot be dismissed as simply wrong. It’s not particularly realistic.
Is Maundy Thursday a public holiday?
Maundy Thursday is not a public holiday in Germany. The day is therefore considered a normal working day for employees. If Maundy Thursday does not fall during the Easter holidays, it is also a normal school day.
Last year, the “Easter rest” decided by the federal government made headlines before the Easter holidays. As a measure against the infection process at the time, shops should remain closed on Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday. After massive criticism, however, the additional rest days were canceled again.
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