Maundy Thursday is a day rich in rituals and customs respected with sanctity by Romanians, especially in the countryside. Bonfires are said to be lit on this day to honor the souls of the sleeping, who, according to tradition, come and sit on the eaves of houses. For this reason, Christians avoid sweeping, so as not to raise dust that could end up in the mouths of the deceased.
On Maundy Thursday, washing of clothes is avoided, as it is believed that the dead will be given clothes from the washed clothes, instead of alms. Also, no paratase is officiated and the bells are not rung in the church, only the bells are struck. Tradition says that Maundy Thursday is the day Judas kissed Jesus, so people who meet must avoid kissing, lest it be interpreted as betrayal.
On this day they also dedicate themselves to the frying of eggs. Tradition says that dyed eggs will never spoil. Those who wash with water containing a red egg and a silver penny are considered to have good luck for the whole year.
Parables from the Gospels. What can we learn from the Savior’s parables?
In the south of the country, girls strictly follow the tradition of making 12 knots on a thread, each knot representing a wish. When their wishes come true, they untie the knots. They also put the thread under their pillow and wait for their chosen one to dream.
In Oltenia, the tradition involves lighting fires in the courtyards or at the tombs early in the morning, symbolizing the fire that Caiaphas’ servants lit to warm themselves when Judas betrayed Jesus.
What Denie is read on Maundy Thursday?
On Holy Thursday, the Gospel of the Last Supper is read, when the Savior gathered with the apostles and told them that the Son of God will be given into the hands of sinful people, will be mocked, will be beaten, then will be crucified on the cross, he will die on the cross, and on the third day he will rise again. Also here, after dinner, the feet were washed. With a basin He goes to each apostle and washes their feet, after which He wipes them with a towel. After he has finished washing all the apostles, he says to them: “What I have done to you, do the same, if you want to be leaders, you must first serve”. The Last Supper symbolizes the sacrifice on the cross the savior.
The powerful prayer to say on Maundy Thursday
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son and Word of God the Father, Who today took the Last Supper with Your disciples, and with great humility washed their feet and those of the disciple who sold You! Then, taking bread and wine in Your Holy hands and blessing them with Your divine power, You made them Your own Body and Blood, with which You shared them saying: “Take, eat and drink, for these are the Body and My Blood, so that your sins may be forgiven’.
The amazing benefits of akathists. How can believers ask for divine support?
The one who on this day ascended to heaven and sat at the right hand of God, Your Father, to reign with Him forever, as His only-begotten Son. I ask You, therefore, for the prayers of Your disciples, forgive our sins, of all, of the living and of the deceased. Give me, Lord, hot tears, so that I may cry my sins.
May Your cleansing gift, which washed the feet of Your disciples, wash and cleanse my heart and soul, so that with dignity, purity and humility I may partake of Your Holy Mysteries, now and during my death, and in the hour of my separation, with joy may my soul ascend to You, without any fear, question or obstacle to pass the customs of the air, entering into Your heavenly glory. Help me, Lord, to magnify You forever, to worship Your Holy Name. Amen!”
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