lavatio

Lavatio, also known as the "washing of the feet," is a ritual practice found in various religious and cultural traditions. In Christianity, it is most famously depicted in the Gospel of John, where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. This act is interpreted as a demonstration of humility, service, and love, serving as an example for believers to follow. In some denominations, such as Catholicism and Anglicanism, a symbolic lavatio ceremony is performed during Maundy Thursday services.

Beyond its Christian context, the practice of washing feet has historical roots in ancient Near Eastern cultures as a sign of hospitality and respect. It was customary for hosts to offer water to guests to wash the dust and dirt from their feet after a journey. This act was a practical necessity and a gesture of welcoming and honoring visitors.

In some other religious traditions, ritual purification involving water, which may include foot washing, is part of broader cleansing ceremonies. These practices often symbolize spiritual cleansing, renewal, and readiness for prayer or sacred activities. The specific meaning and execution of lavatio can vary significantly across different cultures and religions, reflecting diverse interpretations of purity, humility, and social etiquette.