Clean Thursday 2026: time for the soul and home

      Maundy Thursday is the fourth day of Holy Week, the last and most strict week of Great Lent. In 2026, Easter falls on April 12, so Holy Week runs from April 6 to April 11.

      What happened on Maundy Thursday: history and meaning

      On this day, the Church remembers several key events from the Gospel story.

      The Last Supper and the establishment of the Eucharist. Jesus Christ gathered His disciples-apostles for the last time for the Passover meal. It was during this supper that the Savior established the main sacrament of the Church — the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Breaking the bread and offering the wine, Christ said: "This is My Body, which is given for you... This is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for many."

      Washing of the feet. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, demonstrating profound humility and showing an example of serving others. This day is called "Clean" precisely because on this evening, during the Last Supper, Christ washed the feet of all His 12 disciples.

      Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. After the Last Supper, Christ went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where, in deep spiritual struggle, He prayed to the Heavenly Father, asking: "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You" (Matthew 26:39).

      Betrayal of Judas. That same night, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, brought the guards and indicated Jesus with a kiss. This kiss became a symbol of the most terrible betrayal.

      What to do on Clean Thursday

      Tradition prescribes tidying up not only in the home but also in thoughts. It is recommended to get rid of clutter, give away unnecessary items, or clear the space of what burdens you. This is a symbolic act of freeing the soul.

      Now is also the perfect time to engage in festive preparations: starting to bake Easter cakes, dye eggs, and prepare cottage cheese Easter cakes, to meet Easter with lightness in the heart, reports the portal transsibinfo.com.

      Caution and folk wisdom: what to avoid

      April 9 is surrounded by many superstitions that one should heed if you follow folk traditions.

      Emotional background. Jealousy is strictly forbidden this Thursday. It is believed that expressing this feeling can attract illness and mental anguish.

      Household inhabitants. It is better to refrain from bringing birds into the house. Superstitions warn: this threatens to drain finances from the family. Girls are also advised not to acquire a cat — they say there is a risk of being alone for a long time.

      Finances. Do not place money on the surface of the table, so as not to scare away abundance and provoke unforeseen expenses.

      It would not be unnecessary to remind once again: folk superstitions and beliefs are far from real Christian tradition.