ON THE WAY TO EASTER 4: Maundy Money on Maundy Thursday
Last Sunday was Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week in Christendom, culminating on Easter Sunday. In tune with Holy Week, Accounting Solver takes a break from cash & accounting matters and talks about rituals, beliefs and practices during Holy Week.
The b5media blog that brings you goings-on abroad is Doing Biz Abroad of J Christopher Erb and Jean Mercedes. This Maundy Thursday, Accounting Solver goes travelogue and writes about interesting Maundy Thursday practices in England.
Until the 17th century, the King or Queen washed and kissed the feet of selected poor people. Of course, the feet were washed first by Yeomen of the Guards. Today, there is the Ceremony of Royal Maundy.
One man & one woman for each year of the Queen’s age are selected by the clergy for their service to the Church & the community. They are given Maundy Money: especially minted silver coins in a white purse & regular money in a red purse. Because the Queen is 82 this year, Maundy Money will be 82p.
Image from Microsoft Clipart
One of those weird ceremonies that we British seem to do quite well. The history of the event is quite fascinating, allegedly going back to 600 or so. Don’t think we have too many others with that heritage.