Pentecost Date: May 31
Pentecost is observed throughout Europe and South America.
The Pentecost is one of the most important days on the Christian calendar, deriving its name from the ancient greek language, meaning fiftieth day. Also known as the feast of weeks, Pentecost falls on the fiftieth day after Easter which falls on the 31st of May for Western Christians and June the 7th this year for Eastern. The East and West calculate Easter differently which is still disputed by some so the festival dates are always different. This important day marks the giving of the ten Commandments.
Pentecost History
Ten Commandments, authored by God, were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It also commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus. Christians believe the Holy Spirit leads people to faith in Jesus and thus enables them to lead a Christian lifestyle. The apostles were missionaries among the leaders of the early church. Chosen by Jesus these 12 disciples were to deliver special missions. Pentecost was also but much later celebrated by King Arthur who gathered his knights around the round table for a feast and a quest on Pentecost.
Pentecost Tradition and Activities
The Christian people celebrate the Pentecost festival by decorating their churches in red and white, red being the colour of flames meaning warmth, energy, excitement and power, and white for goodness. Others look at red as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and white being the colour of baptism, marking this day as White Sunday, later to become Whit Sunday. This festival day is still a popular date for baptism, and other celebrations like confirmations. The church reads bible readings and sermons for the Christian worshippers to celebrate the life of Jesus.Worshippers use Pentecost as a time for excitement, energy, movement, birth, fresh air and fresh commitment.
Pentecost Traditions and Activities
Many Christian people open their windows to let the fresh air in and circulate. Doves are also a symbol of of the Holy Spirit and many use these to decorate windows. This festival also sees the Christian people wearing red and white clothing or accessories and eating food in contrast with rich colouring and taste like pasta with spicy sausage and tomato sauce or mexican food. During the Pentecost dinner candles are lit for each individual person who is around the table.
Pentecost also known as:
- Whit Sunday
- Descent of the Holy Spirit
- Christian Lifestyle
