Pedilavium in a Pagan Context?

This article came about when a friend of mine asked me to investigate into the background history of foot washing and how to use it in a religious context, esp. for Pagans.

Foot washing is a religious practice mainly displayed in Christian denominations. It is also known as pedilavium (as it is known in Catholic circles). Although some religions still freely practice foot washing, such as the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church practicing this rite on Maundy Thursday (connecting it to the celebration of the Last Supper), the Protestancts who use it as a form of Baptism, and some Mennonite groups that practice it immediately after Communion, many religions have put it down as a ‘custom of the times’ more then a religious practice. Although foot washing was pravailent in more areas then just the bible, it is easier to understand its history and meaning through the christian text.

The first mention of foot washing in the bible is Genesis 18:4: "Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree." This was said by Abraham to some wandering travellers who brought the good news of Sarah to have child. There are many other references to this practice in the bible. From just Genesis alone there is:
Genesis 19:2 And he said, "Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant's house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way." They said however, "No, but we shall spend the night in the square."
Genesis 24:32 So the man entered the house. Then Laban unloaded the camels, and he gave straw and feed to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.
Genesis 43:24 Then the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys fodder.

These all give examples of the common practice of people washing their feet upon resting in these times (this is references not just in the bible but other hitorical texts). This because only sandles were avaliable in these times, or a sole tied to the foot. In the sandy areas, the feet were easily dirtied. So cleaning the feet especially, compared to the whole body, was for hygenic reasons as well as relaxation (as they usually travelled fair distances and it was a hot climate- humans sweat out over a cup of liquid per day from their feet!) In these regions water was not always freely avaliable, or hard to get as there was usually just a central well in the village and only so much could be carried. So the feet were chosen over the rest of the body to be looked after because if you can’t walk it is very hard to earn a living.

It was clearly a custom in these days for guests to be offered water to wash their feet, especially after long journies (just as we offer a cup of tea to our guests) but it is not until 1 Sam. 25:39-41 that someone mentions washing another’s feet freely: "And David sent and proposed to Abigail, to take her as his wife. When the servants of David had come to Abigail at Carmel, they spoke to her saying, 'David sent us to you, to ask you to become his wife.' Then she arose, bowed her face to the earth, and said, 'Here is your maidservant, a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.'" Abigail was clearly showing humbleness in this situation. Servants must always be humble to their masters, and included in their servitude was the duty of washing their master’s feet or their master’s guests. It was common practice for those with servant’s to offer their services to their guests including feet washing, and it was commonly the lowest slave in the household’s job.

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" [John 13:14-15]. This was spoken by Jesus to his disciples at the last supper and is the most famous case of foot washing. It is no wonder the disciples were so confused about the action as it was suppose to the be the slaves job! It is also interesting that he does it during supper – washing feet usually would happen upon arriving at the destination or soon after. You want your guests to wash their feet not just so they are comfortable but so your house is kept clean as well! He did it at this time to make a clear point about being humble to one another. It is also a demonstration on how a leader should be to his subject- the greatest of leaders ‘serves’ his subjects. Feet washing is a selfless act and displays a devotion to each other- particularly as it is a rather sensual experience.

"Blessed be my feet, that have brought me in these ways…" So how does this relate to our pagan practices? A couple of ways:
The Greeks, and other ancient civilisations, considered it blasphemy to enter a temple without the feet being washed. This can be used in our rituals today. One should be clean and presentable for the Gods. Although many Pagans use Ritual showers or baths before practicing, this is not always possible, so this practice of washing the feet (and hands during the process) works just as well. Just like the pre-ritual shower/bath, we can use it to wash away any negativity from the day before entering the ritual space. The feet connect us with the earth. Washing away any negativity from this area will improve the connection making us more balanced and stable.

It is also a way to symbolically wash away any negative paths we may be walking down, or have walked down. It is suggestible for those who have their feet washed to rest them for a while after- allowing the feet to ‘heal’ before touching the earth again and finding their new path. After cleaning and resting them, people tend to feel lighter on their feet. If they feel lighter, they usually are lighter spiritually as well! Foot washing was used in Dolores Ashcroft-Norwiki’s reconsecration rituals, as well as many of practitioners.

I have also read third degree initiation rites where at the end of the ritual the HPS or HP wash the feet of the newly initiated. If the teacher is humble to the student, the student will be humble to there’s and the cycle of good teaching will continue. It also allows the student to feel ‘equal’ and powerful in themselves for the first time since reaching a level of leadership.
Finally it can be used to connect to another person on a deeper level- this can not be explained and more has to be experienced to understand.

Check out the Uses of Foot Washing taken from http://74.125.153.132/search?q=cache:ulmMjv9yiBMJ:members.tjc.org/sites/en/lm/Topical%2520Studies/Footwashing.doc+foot+washing+slaves+egypt&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au