Pentecost Eve
Pentecost Eve is a holiday that occurs 49 days after the celebration of Easter, which isn’t surprising since the word Pentecost comes from the Greek word Pentēkostē, a word that means “fiftieth” and indicates that Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter. This means that Pentecost Eve can be observed anywhere from May through June, depending on the year.
Also known as Pinse in Norway and Whit Saturday in Sweden, this holiday is one on which Christians attend religious services in preparation for Pentecost. Although this day isn’t a public holiday in Sweden, it is a public holiday in Norway. Even though this day is technically a holiday in many places all over the world, it’s really just a day to prepare for the main event of the weekend: Pentecost Sunday.
The History of Pentecost Eve
Pentecost is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, and it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples 50 days after Easter.
According to the Bible, when Jesus ascended to heaven on Ascension Day, he promised that he would send the Holy Spirit so that he would exist everywhere all at once. This makes Pentecost just as important a holiday as both Easter and Christmas.
Interesting Facts About Pentecost
Below are some interesting facts about Pentecost that we’d like to share with everyone.
- Pentecost began with the Jewish harvest festival Shavuot.
- The apostles were observing Shavuot when the Holy Spirit descended on them.
- Pentecost can occur anywhere from May 10 through June 13, depending on where Easter falls on the calendar.
Observing Pentecost Eve
Although Pentecost Eve is a holiday in Norway, so many people will be given the day off, there are usually no public celebrations of this holiday. In Sweden, this day isn’t a public holiday, so there are no public celebrations of this holiday either, but since it falls on a Saturday, many people will already have the day off.
For Christians, however, this is a holiday to spend time with family in both of these countries, as well as in other countries where this holiday is observed. People will usually have a meal with their family and attend religious services on this day. People will also spread the word about this holiday using one of several hashtags including #PentecostEve, #WhitSaturday, or #Pinse.
