Pentecost is a commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus Christ’s disciples on the 50th day after Easter, according to the Christian Bible. It is also known as Whit Sunday. In some countries such as Estonia and Finland, the Monday it is a public holiday as it once was in the UK. However, as the date changes each year it was eventually moved to the last Monday in May and is now known as the late May bank holiday in the UK.  

It is said when the holy spirit descended upon the disciples they immediately were given the “gift of tongues” enabling them to speak foreign languages and they started preaching to all the Jews from different nations who had come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Shavot and therefore commemorates the birth of the Christian church.   

In many parts of the world Christians share their worship and fellowship with each other and other cultures and religions.  

Traditionally

It is also traditionally chosen as a day for celebrations and baptisms. Many people not only attend church services but also enjoy picnics, BBQs and trips to the country. In Poland it is called the “green holiday” and people decorate their homes with green branches to bring blessings into the home and those living there.  

Whitsunday is also linked to pagan and wiccan spring rites with the drinking of “Whitsun Ale” and the old English custom of Morris Dancing. Another ancient pagan custom is called the "hunting of the green man". A young man dressed in leaves and moss hides, and children must hunt him out.