Maundy Thursday: 5 Things You Should Know

By Brandon Showalter, Opinion writer and social commentator Twitter

In England: "Maundy Money"

In England on Maundy Thursday the Queen visits a cathedral of her choice and distributes highly collectable coins called "Maundy Money," legally the "Queen's Maundy Money," to pensioners in lieu of washing their feet.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth in Windsor, Britain, April 20, 2016.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth in Windsor, Britain, April 20, 2016. | (Photo: Reuters/Toby Melville)

These silver coins are legal tender but are not used for common purchases due to their silver content, according to the Metro UK.

The Sun noted Thursday that the tradition dates back to the 15th century and "as many elderly men and women as there are years in the Queen's age receive the Maundy money." The Queen of England turns 92 next month, so 92 men and 92 women will all receive the silver coins this year.

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British monarchs used to wash the feet of locals but the practice was abandoned following the death of King James II.

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