Whit Monday

Whit Monday History

Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a Christian observance commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and followers of Jesus Christ at the feast of Pentecost. This event, described in the New Testament, is considered as the birth of the Christian Church. The day typically involves church services, community gatherings, and various activities for families and youth.

In the United Kingdom, Whit Monday was traditionally a public holiday, celebrated with "Whitsun ales", local parish festivals, and Whit Walks - processions involving church congregations, brass bands, and banners. Though its official holiday status has changed, its cultural significance remains. The holiday in the UK has its roots in the early Christian traditions of Britain, dating back to AD 400, and underwent various religious and social evolutions through the centuries.

Whit Monday continues to be observed in the United Kingdom through church services, processions, and other events. However, since the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, the UK shifted the public holiday from Whit Monday to the Late May Bank Holiday, which is held on the last Monday of May. While the holiday is no longer necessarily tied to Pentecost, it still retains elements of the original Whit Monday traditions, and communities across the country continue to engage with this aspect of British heritage.

Whit Monday Facts & Quotes

• The name Pentecost comes from the Greek pentekoste meaning fiftieth.
• Ministers and priests wear red to symbolise the fire which brought the Holy Spirit to earth. Other symbols include the wind- the breath of God, and a dove- bringing peace.
• Pentecost is regarded as the birthday of the Christian church.
• Pentecost comes from a Jewish harvest festival called Shavuot. Apostles were reportedly celebrating this festival when the Holy Spirit descended on them.
• Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee - Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
• In the town of Gloucester, England, Whit Monday is celebrated with an unusual custom known as the Bread and Cheese tradition. Locals gather at a specific spot, after which large quantities of bread and cheese are thrown into the crowd. The custom dates back to the early 19th century and is said to have originated as an act of charity.

In the News and Trending for Whit Monday

Whit Monday Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit a church for a Pentecost service. During this time the church has a series of fasts and rituals including speaking in tongues.
• Take a trip to the park! Pentecost falls 50 days after Easter, spring will definitely have arrived and summer is almost here.
• Watch a documentary or film with religious undertones. There are plenty of films that examine religion, especially the Christian church. Pentecost (2011) is an Irish short film that was nominated for Best Short Film at the 2012 Oscars.
• Read a book on the history of religion in Europe in order to further understand the meaning of Pentecost. Our favourites:
  1) The Reformation by Diarmaid MacCulloch
  2) Danubia: A Personal History of Habsburg Europe by Simon Winder
  3) History of the Peloponnesian War Thucydides