Unlike other festive observances that have familiar narratives or other customs and symbols shared by several cultures and regions, Pentecost is a celebration that is somewhat difficult to relate as a story and to explain as holidays like Christmas and Easter, especially to children. However, like any festivity, Pentecost always instills people’s festive spirit to rejoice and to celebrate the day with family and relatives. Indeed, who does not like feasts?

The story of Pentecost and its celebration

Pentecost is essentially a Christian observance that was initially a major Jewish festival held 50 days after the Feast of Passover, marking the official end of the Easter season. During Pentecost festivities, thousands of people would travel to Jerusalem to bring the first fruits of their wheat harvests to be dedicated to the Temple, and it has remained a perpetrated tradition for many believers. In fact, it took its origin from the story of Jesus Christ and his disciples when they gathered in Jerusalem to wait for Jesus’ instructions for the coming of the Holy Ghost. Etymologically and biblically speaking, the term “Pentecost” means Shavu’ot in Hebrew – also known as the “Jewish Feast of Weeks” which reminds us of God’s revelation on Mont Sinai to Jewish people and the covenant He made to them. Based on the New Testament of the Bible, Pentecost today, also called Whit Sunday or Whitsunday is a festivity that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus-Christ and the birth of the Church.

Talking of celebration, people have their own ways to immortalize the day. In fact, Whit Sunday and Whit Monday – the day after Pentecost – are celebrated together. The two-day feast is mainly an occasion for people to share their perspectives about the meaning of Pentecost through gathering at churches for worship service or spending time together to foster cultural diversity and to enhance fellowship. In the United States, Whit Sunday and Monday are not public holidays. However, some churches organize prayer rallies which include prayers and street marches on the day after Pentecost. In some states, like in Pennsylvania, Whit Monday used to be one of the major annual holidays in Pennsylvania Dutch country and was referred to as the “Dutch Fourth of July” in Lancaster where Pennsylvanians gathered to enjoy time together while eating, drinking and having fun.

A few ideas to celebrate Whitsun week at home

Like other community-centered observances, Pentecost and Whit Monday feasts are also special occasions to be with family and get into the festive spirit. Some interesting ideas for Whitsun celebration may include teaching kids the Pentecost story, using Pentecost symbols which are those of the Holy Spirit – flames, wind and dove to make decorations. In fact, these symbols may spark all kinds of imagination and allow Pentecost to be celebrated with fun activities shared with family members. As it is a day dedicated to honor the birth of the Church, and as usual on birthdays, making birthday cakes would be a brilliant idea. These are simply suggestions for the events of Pentecost, but there are many other ways to celebrate it. Happy Whitsun all!

Sources: Time and Date/ Building Faith/ Women for Faith & Family