A little reason to celebrate
Pentecost
Religious ยท 49 days after Easter
Pentecost, also called Whit Sunday, is a Christian feast recalling the Holy Spirit coming to the apostles, marked with church services and the color red.
Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 16, 2027. That is 201 days away.
Pentecost is a Christian feast. It recalls the account in the Book of Acts in which the Holy Spirit came to the apostles in Jerusalem, described as a rushing wind and tongues of fire resting on each of them. Many churches treat it as the birthday of the Christian church.
The name comes from a Greek word meaning fiftieth. In English it is also called Whit Sunday, a name often linked to the white clothing once worn by people being baptized on that day.
In many congregations the color of the day is red, standing for the fire in the story. Clergy may wear red vestments, and worshippers are sometimes invited to wear red too. Altars and sanctuaries can be decorated with red cloth, flowers or paper flames. Some services read the Acts passage in several languages at once, echoing the account that the apostles were heard speaking in many tongues.
Customs differ from one tradition to another. Some churches hold baptisms or confirmations, others have shared meals or outdoor gatherings, and many simply mark it with a regular service and particular hymns and prayers.
For people outside a church, the day is often noticed through the sudden splash of red in a neighborhood congregation or a sign announcing a special service.
Ways to celebrate
- Read the Pentecost account in the second chapter of Acts.
- Attend a local church service if you are curious and welcome.
- Look for red banners or flowers at nearby churches.
- Listen to traditional hymns associated with the feast.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, May 24 |
| 2027 | Sunday, May 16 |
| 2028 | Sunday, June 4 |
| 2029 | Sunday, May 20 |
| 2030 | Sunday, June 9 |
Also on May 16
Categories: Religious days