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Pentecost or Whitsunday

© Linda Campbell

Pentecost or Shavuot was originally a Jewish harvest festival, referred to in the Bible by various names: "the feast of harvest of the firstfruits" (Exodus 23:16), "the feast of weeks" (Exodus 24:22; Deuteronomy 16:10:), the "day of firstfruits" (Numbers 28:26). Later it was called ‘asereth’ or ‘asartha’ (probably "closing festival", Pentecost being the closing festival of the harvest and of the Paschal season). It falls on the fiftieth day from "the next day after the sabbath" of the Passover (Leviticus 23:11).

For Jews, Pentecost has also involves the commemoration of the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, which took place on the fiftieth day after the departure from Egypt (Exodus 19:1). Following this interpretation, during the two day long feast of Pentecost, modern Jews read the Law and other appropriate Scriptures.

But Pentecost is also an important time for Christians. In Deuteronomy, xvi, I, the feast is described as an occasion for social and joyful gatherings. In the year of Jesse’s death, the Pentecost feast at Jerusalem was probably attended by a great homecoming of Jews from all parts of the world. According to the Book of Acts, it was during this festival that the Holy Spirit descended on the Disciples and they began to speak in other languages. Three thousand people, amazed by these occurrences, were baptised. This act has led to Pentecost being hailed as the birthday of the Christian Church.

Pentecost came to be known as Whitsunday, from the white garments that converts wore for their baptism during the festival. As an important Christian feast day, it appears to date back to the first century. In modern times, this week long festival ranks is as important as Easter Sunday.

Within the Catholic Church, the traditions associated with Whitsunday vary from country to country, although many of these have fallen from custom. In Italy rose leaves were scattered from the ceilings of churches to symbolise the “tongues like fire” which appeared over the heads of the Apostles. In French churches, trumpets were blown during the service, to recall the sound of the wind which preceded the fiery tongues.

In England this popular holiday was enlivened with horse races and plays. Whitsun Plays seem to date back to the “Mystery Plays” which were performed during the feast of Corpus Christ, which was held in late May or early June (depending on the date of Easter). This feast was abolished in the 16th century by theEnglish church but the plays were still performed, only at Whitsunday rather than Corpus Christi. However, they appear to have died out rather quickly after this, although they are now enjoying a revival.

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