Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday or Black Thursday, is one of the most special days of Holy Week. It is the moment when, in the church, four important events from the life of the Savior Jesus are remembered and the day when most of the traditional traditions are observed.
On Holy Thursday, believers make the final preparations for the great feast of the Lord’s Resurrection. Four days before Easter, eggs are dyed, and the church organizes the Denia of the 12 Gospels, a service in which passages about the passions of Christ are read.
Traditions and Customs on Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday is also the last day when the dead are commemorated. On this day, women go to church and distribute fasting food packages, which often include braided bread (colaci), wine, honey, and fruit. According to ancestral traditions, on the night before or the morning of Holy Thursday, the graves open, and the souls of the deceased return to their homes. People light fires in their yards, in front of their homes, or in cemeteries to honor the occasion.
In most parts of the country, Easter eggs are dyed on Holy Thursday. The color red is the most commonly used, as old writings say it symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ, who was crucified for the salvation of humanity. According to popular belief, eggs dyed on this day are eaten on Easter Sunday, and the eggshells are buried in the fields to protect livestock from diseases.
From this day forward, people begin baking the most important traditional goods for Easter, such as “pască” (sweet cheese pie) and “cozonaci” (sweet bread).
In the evening, people attend church where the priest reads passages from the “Denia of the 12 Gospels.”
According to canon law, fasting is observed throughout Holy Week, especially from morning until evening. On Holy Thursday, believers eat only dry food. Church bells are no longer rung; only the wooden semantron (toacă) is used.
Forbidden Customs on Holy Thursday
Starting on Thursday, no laundry should be done, and women are not allowed to sew. Napping at noon is also forbidden—according to superstition, anyone who sleeps will be lazy all year. Also, kissing friends as a greeting is not allowed. Thursday represents “Judas’ kiss” in the Garden of Gethsemane. According to the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, this kiss was the sign agreed upon by those who conspired against Jesus, in exchange for 30 silver coins. In this context, the kiss is seen as an act of betrayal. The expression “Judas’ kiss” is still commonly used today when referring to betrayal.