WASHING OF FEET (wi.ish'Ing by fet), the custom of washing the feet, held in ancient times, a place among the duties of hospitality, being re garded as a mark of respect to the guest, and a token of humble and affectionate attention on the part of the entertainer. It had its origin in cir cumstances for the most part peculiar to the East.
(1) In the East. In general, in warm Oriental climes, cleanliness is of the highest consequence, particularly as a safeguard against the leprosy. The East knows nothing of the factitious distinc tions which prevail in these countries between sanitary regulations and religious duties; but the one, as much as the other, is considered a part of that great system of obligations under which man lies towards God. What, therefore, the health demands, religion is at hand to sanction. Clean liness is in consequence not next to godliness, but a part of godliness itself. As in this Orien tal view may be found the origin and reason of much of what the Mosaic law lays down touching cleanness and uncleanness, so the practice of feet washing in particular, which considerations of purity and personal propriety recommended, was adopted by hospitality and sanctioned by religion.
(2) Origin. In temperate climes bathing is far too much neglected; but in the East the heat of the atmosphere and the dryness of the soil would render ablution of the body peculiarly desirable, and make feet washing no less grateful than salu tary to the weary traveler. The foot, too, was less protected than with us. In the earliest ages it probably had no covering; and the sandal worn in later times was little else than the sole of our shoe bound under the foot. Even this defense,' however, was ordinarily laid aside on entering a house, in which the inmates were either barefoot or wore nothing but slippers.
(3) Old Testament References. The washing of the feet is among the most ancient, as well as the most obligatory, of the rites of Eastern hospi tality. From Gen. xviii :4; xix :2, it appears to have existed as early as the days of the patriarch Abraham. In Gen. xxiv :32, also, 'Abraham's servant' is provided with water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him. The same custom is mentioned in Judg. xix :21. From I Sam. xxv:41, it appears that the rite was some times performed by servants and sons, as their appropriate duty, regarded as of a humble char acter. Hence, in addition to its being a token of affectionate regard, it was a sign of humility.
(4) In the New Testament. The most re markable instance is found in the 13th chapter of John's Gospel, where our Savior is represented as washing the feet of his disciples, with whom he had taken supper. Minute particulars are given in the sacred narrative, which should be carefully studied, as presenting a true Oriental picture.
From verse 12, sq., it is clear that the act was of a symbolical nature ; designed to teach, a fortiori, brotherly humility and good-will. It was specially customary in the days of our Lord to wash before eating (Matt. xv :2; Luke xi :38).
(5) Usage in the Early Church. The union of affectionate attention and lowly service is found indicated by feet washing in i Tim. v :to, where, among the signs of the widows that were to be honored—supported, that is, at the expense of the church—this is given, if any one 'have washed the saints' feet.' Feet washing (pedilarium) became, as might he expected, a part of the observances practiced in the early Christian church. It is still practiced as a religious rite by the DUNKERS (which see).