Whit Monday according to Eastern Christian tradition

There are many recurring holidays throughout the year. We often have these days off and can take a break from the stress of everyday life. Unfortunately, the actual meaning behind these Christian holidays often fades into the background. Due to the ever-increasing secularization, only very few people are familiar with the festivities of the church year.

What do Christians celebrate on Pentecost? Pentecost is considered the birth of the Christian church. This holiday celebrates the Holy Spirit, who, according to the Bible, took hold of Jesus' disciples 50 days after his death on the cross.

While Christians commemorate their first martyr Stephen on December 26, no specific person is associated with Pentecost Monday. According to tradition, the twelve apostles received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Pentecost is therefore traditionally understood as the founding day of the church.

Whit Monday gets its English name from "Whitsunday", an English name for Pentecost, one of the three baptismal seasons. The origin of the name "Whit Sunday" is generally attributed to the white garments formerly worn by those newly baptized on this feast.