Pentecost

Pentecost, observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, as described in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. The event is often regarded as the "birthday" of the Christian Church, since it marks the moment when the apostles were inspired to begin public ministry.

Giotto-inspired Pentecost scene with apostles and Holy Spirit dove

The name "Pentecost" comes from the Greek pentēkostē, meaning "fiftieth," as it falls 50 days after Easter Sunday. In the Jewish tradition, Pentecost coincides with Shavuot, a harvest festival that also commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

The dramatic events of the first Pentecost included a rushing wind, tongues of fire, and the apostles speaking in multiple languages—an occurrence that baffled the onlookers and prompted Peter’s first recorded sermon. Over 3,000 people were baptized that day.

In medieval England, Pentecost was also called "Whitsunday," short for "White Sunday," named for the white garments worn by those being baptized. It was once one of the biggest feast days of the Christian calendar and a popular time for civic ceremonies, processions, and even royal coronations. The term "Whitsuntide" refers to the week following Pentecost, which was traditionally a time for fairs, games, and time off from work.

The symbol of the dove, representing the Holy Spirit, is often associated with Pentecost, as are red vestments and decorations in many churches—red symbolizing both fire and the vitality of the Spirit.

In some German regions, people once celebrated Pentecost by decorating oxen and parading them through town (a custom known as Pfingstochse, or "Pentecost ox"). In France, trumpets used to be blown in churches to recall the "mighty wind" of the Holy Spirit.

So if you hear a sudden gust of wind today or find yourself strangely gifted in languages, you might just be experiencing a modern echo of Pentecost.