Pentecost facts for kids
Pentecost is a special Christian holiday. Its name means "the 50th day" in Greek. You might also hear it called Whitsun or Whitsunday in places like the United Kingdom. It happens 50 days after Easter and 10 days after Ascension Thursday.
This day is important because it remembers when the Holy Spirit came down to the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. This event is described in the Bible, in the book of Acts. Jesus had promised this would happen after he rose from the dead. On that day, about 3,000 people were baptized. Many Christians believe this was the real start of the Christian Church. Pentecost is also connected to the Jewish harvest festival called Shavuot.
The date for Pentecost changes each year, just like Easter. For example, in 2014, Pentecost was on June 8.
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What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is a major celebration in the Christian year. It marks the end of the Easter season. The word "Pentecost" comes from a Greek word meaning "fiftieth." This is because it is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter Sunday. It is also 10 days after Ascension Day, which remembers Jesus going back to heaven.
The Story of the Holy Spirit
The main reason Christians celebrate Pentecost is to remember a special event. The Bible says that after Jesus went back to heaven, his followers were gathered together. Suddenly, they heard a sound like a strong wind. They saw what looked like flames resting on each of them. Then, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Speaking in Different Languages
After receiving the Holy Spirit, the followers of Jesus began to speak in many different languages. People from all over the world were in Jerusalem at that time. They were amazed because they could understand what the followers were saying in their own languages. This helped them share Jesus's message with many more people.
The Start of the Church
On that same day, one of Jesus's main followers, Peter, gave a powerful speech. He explained who Jesus was and what had happened. Many people believed his words. The Bible says that about 3,000 people were baptized that day. This event is often seen as the official beginning of the Christian Church. It was a time when the Church grew very quickly.
Connection to Shavuot
Pentecost has historical ties to an older Jewish festival called Shavuot. Shavuot is also known as the "Feast of Weeks." It is a harvest festival that celebrates the first fruits of the harvest. It also remembers when God gave the Torah (God's laws) to Moses on Mount Sinai. The early followers of Jesus were Jewish, so they were already celebrating Shavuot when the Holy Spirit came.
How is Pentecost Celebrated?
Many churches celebrate Pentecost with special services. The color red is often used in churches on this day. Red represents the "tongues of fire" that appeared over the heads of the apostles. It also symbolizes the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Some churches might decorate with red flowers or banners. It is a joyful day that celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Images for kids
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The Cenacle in Jerusalem is believed to be where the Last Supper and Pentecost happened.
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Pentecost by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld
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This 1472 map of Jerusalem shows the place of the Pentecost, Ubi apostoli acceperunt spiritum sanctum, at the location of the Cenacle.
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A typical Western image of the Pentecost by Duccio di Buoninsegna (1308)
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The Pentecost shown in a 14th-century Missal
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A Protestant church altar, decorated for Pentecost with red burning candles and red banners and altar cloth showing the movement of the Holy Spirit
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A Protestant church altar and font, decorated for Pentecost with red flowering plants and green birch branches
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Holy Ghost hole, Saints Peter and Paul Church in Söll
See also
In Spanish: Pentecostés para niños
