Pentecost in Australia

Pentecost is a Christian observance commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus Christ’s disciples, according to the Bible. Many Christians in Australia celebrate Pentecost, which is also known as Pentecost Sunday, Whitsunday, or Whit Sunday.

The dove often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, according to Christian belief. ©iStockphoto.com/Chad Jarae

What do people do?

Many churches in Australia focus on themes about the Holy Spirit as part of the Pentecost Sunday services. Bible passages regarding the Holy Spirit’s descent on Jesus’ disciples are read out during the services. Some churches may organize special events, including plays or weekend retreats, where people discuss topics centered on Pentecost, including the meaning of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. Sunday school classes and Bible study groups may also focus on the meaning behind Pentecost during this period.

Public life

Whitsunday is not a public holiday in Australia. However it falls on a Sunday so many aspects of public life on Whitsunday do not differ to any other Sunday.

Background

According to the Christian Bible, it was on the 50th day after Easter when the apostles prayed together and the Holy Spirit descended on them. They received the “gift of tongues” – the ability to speak in other languages – and immediately began to preach about Jesus Christ to Jewish people from all over the world who flocked to Jerusalem for the Feast of Shavuot.

Christian Pentecost not only commemorated the Holy Spirit’s visit but also marked the birth of the Christian Church. Although it is not certain when Christians started observing Pentecost, it may have been early as the first century CE. Whitsuntide, also referred to as Whitsun in modern times, is the period beginning with the Saturday before Whitsunday and ending the following Saturday.

According to church tradition, Pentecost is about seven weeks after Easter Sunday, or 50 days after Easter, including Easter Day. In some Orthodox churches, Whitsunday is observed after the date set by the western churches. This is because some Orthodox churches still observe holidays according to the Julian calendar, which preceded the Gregorian calendar adopted by many western churches. 

Symbols

The symbols of Pentecost are those of the Holy Spirit and include flames, wind, and a dove. 

About Pentecost in other countries

Pentecost Observances

Related holiday

• Whit Monday ―Monday, May 28, 2012

Other holidays in May 2012 in Australia

• May Day ―Monday, May 7, 2012
• Labour Day ―Monday, May 7, 2012
• Lag B'Omer ―Thursday, May 10, 2012
• Mother's Day ―Sunday, May 13, 2012
• Ascension Day ―Thursday, May 17, 2012
• National Sorry Day ―Saturday, May 26, 2012
• Shavuot ―Sunday, May 27, 2012
• Whit Monday ―Monday, May 28, 2012