Pentecost

Pentecost (also called Whit Sunday, Whitsunday or Whitsun) is a Christian holiday that takes place on the 49th day (50th day when inclusive counting is used) after Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus, Mary, and other followers of the Christ, while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–31). Pentecost marks the "Birthday of the Church".

AI overview

Pentecost is a Christian holiday celebrated 49 days after Easter that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus's Apostles and followers in Jerusalem, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. It is considered the "Birthday of the Church" because it marks the moment when the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus's followers to begin their mission.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Holiday.holiday_name: Pentecost
Holiday.image: Vienna Karlskirche frescos4b.jpg
Holiday.caption: Fresco of the Pentecostal dove (representing the Holy Spirit) at the Karlskirche in Vienna, Austria
Holiday.observedby: Catholic Church, Old Catholics, Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Amish, Anglicans and other Christians
Holiday.observances: Prayer, vigils, fasting (pre-festival), novenas, retreats, Holy Communion, litany
Holiday.celebrations: Church services, festive meals, processions, baptism, confirmation, ordination, folk customs, dancing, spring and woodland rites.
Holiday.type: Christian
Holiday.significance: Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus; birth of the Church
Holiday.date: 49 days after Easter
Holiday.relatedto: Jesus Day, Shavuot, Rosalia, Green Week, Pinkster, Whit Monday, Whit Tuesday, Whit Friday, Trinity Sunday

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image: Ingeborg Psalter 02f 1200 (cropped).jpg

Show 1 more fact

Commons category: Pentecost

Sources (6)

via Wikidata · CC0

~39 min read

Article

25 sections

Contents

Etymology
Background
New Testament
Liturgical celebration
Eastern churches
Kneeling Prayer
Apostles' Fast
Western churches
Red symbolism
Flowers, fruits, and branches
Lowering of doves
Hymns and music
Fasting and devotions
Sacraments
Rosalia
Mariology
Music
Classical compositions
Regional customs and traditions
Date and public holiday
Literary allusions
See also
Notes
References
External links

Pentecost is one of the Great feasts in the Eastern Orthodox Church, a Solemnity in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, a Festival in the Lutheran Churches, and a Principal Feast in the Anglican Communion. Many Christian denominations provide a special liturgy for this holy celebration. Since its date depends on the date of Easter, Pentecost is a "moveable feast". The Monday after Pentecost is a legal holiday in many European, African and Caribbean countries.