  maundy (from latin mandatum or mendicare), or washing of the feet, is a religious rite observed as an ordinance by several christian denominations. john 13:1â17 mentions jesus performing this act. specifically, in verses 13:14â17, he instructs them: :14 "if i then, your lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anotherâs feet. 15 for i have given you an example, that you should do as i have done to you. 16 most assuredly, i say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 if you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." as such, many denominations observe the washing of the feet on maundy thursday of holy week moreover, for some denominations, foot-washing was an example, a pattern. many groups throughout church history and many modern denominations have practiced foot washing as a church ordinance. the derivation of the word maundy has at least two possibilities for the origin: :1) through middle english and old french mandÃ©, from latin mandatum. :2) from the latin mendicare, old french mendier, and english maund, which means âto begâ (verb) or a âsmall basketâ (noun) held out by maunders (beggars) as they maunded (begged).notes about lent and holy week, discipling ministry â shepherd of the mountains, 3-12-2012 ==background== the root of this practice appears to be found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the chief footwear. a host would provide water for guests to wash their feet, provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests or even serve the guests by washing their
Christian_worship_practices Foot Gestures_of_respect Gospel_of_John Latter_Day_Saint_ordinances,_rituals,_and_symbolism Latter_Day_Saint_temple_practices Sacraments Water_and_religion