Whit Monday

Whit Monday History

Pentecost Monday is a Christian observance that celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. The day, also known as Whit Monday, is generally full of good spirits. Ministers will wear red robes as a symbol of the flames in which the Holy Spirit came to Earth. Symbolism is important on the day. The Holy Spirit is the third part of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) which Christians use as a way to interpret God.

Pentecost Monday takes place on the Monday 51 days after Easter. Today, Pentecost and Pentecost Monday are not widely celebrated as religious days, instead a secular public holiday gives workers in many industries the day off.

Top facts about Whit Monday

• 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, the apostles were celebrating this festival when the Holy Spirit descended on them.
• There would be no Christmas if there was no Easter. Gordon B. Hinckley, American religious leader.

In the News and Trending in the EU 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.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtag #PentecostMonday, #WhitMonday, and #MondayoftheHolySpirit.
• Complete the Catholic pilgrimage from Notre-Dame in Paris to Chartres Cathedral. It is a 100-kilometre pilgrimage and a major tradition in France.
• 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 the Best Short Film at the 2012 Oscars and Passion of the Christ (2004), and Son of God (2014) all depict Christian themes.
• Read a book on the history of religion in Europe in order to further understand the meaning of Pentecost and Pentecost Monday. 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