The original day of Pentecost saw dramatic events that are important to the life of the Church.
But where did the feast of Pentecost come from?
How can we understand what happened on it?
And what does it mean for us today?
Here are 8 things to know and share about it . . .
1. What does the name “Pentecost” mean?
It comes from the Greek word for “fiftieth” (pentecoste). The reason is that Pentecost is the fiftieth day (Greek, pentecoste hemera) after Easter Sunday (on the Christian calendar).
This name came into use in the late Old Testament period and was inherited by the authors of the New Testament.
2. What else is this feast known as?
In the Old Testament, it is referred to by several names:
- The feast of weeks
- The feast of harvest
- The day of first-fruits
Today in Jewish circles it is known as Shavu`ot (Hebrew, “weeks”).
It goes by various names in different languages.
In England (and English), it has also been known as “Whitsunday” (white Sunday). This name is presumably derived from the white baptismal garments of those recently baptized.