Pentecost
Also called | Whitsunday
Observed by | Roman Catholics, Eastern Catholics, Old Catholics, Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans and other Christians
Type | Christian
Significance | Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus; birth of the Church
Celebrations | Religious (church) services, festive meals, processions, baptism, confirmation, ordination, folk customs, dancing, spring & woodland rites, festive clothing
Observances | Prayer, vigils, fasting (pre-festival), novenas, retreats, Holy Communion, litany
Date | Easter + 49 days
2018 date | May 20 (Western) May 27 (Eastern)
2019 date | June 9 (Western) June 16 (Eastern)
2020 date | May 31 (Western) June 7 (Eastern)
Related to | Shavuot