<P> Maundy ( from the Vulgate of John 13 : 34 mandatum meaning `` command '' ) , or the Washing of the Feet , is a religious rite observed by various Christian denominations . The name is taken from the first few Latin words sung at the ceremony of the washing of the feet , `` Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos '' ( `` I give you a new commandment , That ye love one another as I have loved you '' ) ( John 13 : 34 ) , and from the Latin form of the commandment of Christ that we should imitate His loving humility in the washing of the feet ( John 13 : 14 -- 17 ) . The term mandatum ( maundy ) , therefore , was applied to the rite of foot - washing on this day of the Christian Holy Week called Maundy Thursday . </P>
you have to wash one another 's feet meaning
the commandment of Christ that we should imitate His loving humility in the washing of the feet