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Definition:
Whit Sunday is a Christian holiday during Pentecost, the 50 days following Easter (it originally coincided with the Jewish feast of Shavuot). It falls on the first Sunday after Easter.
The origin of the name Whit Sunday is uncertain. Some believe that it stems from the comes from the Old English word whit which means "spirt" or "living creature" but others believe that it is related to the word white because of the special white garments worn by people on this day. The name Low Sunday may be a corruption of the the first word of the Sequence of the day: "Laudes Salvatori voce modulemur supplici".
Celebrated since the 3rd century CE, it marks the date when Christians believe that the Holy Ghost descended among the gathered believers, allowing them to speak to each other even though they did not know each others languages. This event is told in Acts:
When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2.1)
Although this date is rarely observed today, during the Middle Ages Christians would often celebrate for up to an entire week. There were fairs and dancing in towns all over Europe - it was a celebratory observance, not a penitential one with fasting. Many forms of celebration, for example the use of a May Pole, indicate that this date was used to incorporate various pagan celebrations and traditions.
Also Known As: Low Sunday, Quasimodo Sunday, Alb Sunday, Antipascha Sunday, Thomas Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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