Catholic Pentecost (Day of the Holy Spirit)
Description:
On that day, when all the disciples of Jesus were in the same house, suddenly there was a loud rustle. The tongues of the flame of the lighted fire lit up above their heads, and the truth of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity was revealed to the apostles. After this event, the apostles began to speak different languages. This divided them and at the same time united them, because now they were able to preach the Christian doctrine throughout the world, among all peoples. Traditionally, this event is considered the beginning of the Christian Church.
The day of the Holy Spirit ends the Easter time.
The name of the holiday in Germany - Pfingsten - was formed from the Old Greek word fiftieth (fаnfzigste) day.
Since ancient times in Germany, this day is accompanied by wreath weaving, divination, swinging and boating. Before this day, clean up the house and garden. Early in the morning, wild flowers are collected, as well as blossomed green branches of trees, birch is appreciated. They decorate the courtyard and rooms. Bouquets and wreaths are hung over doors, windows, at the corners of the house, placed in vases on the table and window sills. Even fences are decorated in the yard.
During the celebration usually organize morning concerts, excursions, walks. They hold traditional youth meetings, song and dance festivals, sports competitions. There are various jokes, for example, benches in the park can change their place of residence (but only for a while, by Tuesday morning they will return to their place).
In the villages, the fields are again being rounded with prayers for fertility. All villagers take part in this solemn procession. Reading the gospel.
It is a traditional folk festival adopted by the church.
Holy Spirit Day in Germany is celebrated for two days. This is a state weekend fixed at the federal level. Pentecost (Pfingstensonntag) is on Sunday and Spirits Day (Pfingstenmontag) is on Monday.
There are signs in Germany: “If it rains on Holy Ghost Day, it will rain seven Sundays in a row” or “raw Holy Ghost Day is a fat Christmas.”
The traditional greeting is "Joyful Day of the Holy Spirit" (Ein frohes Pfingstefest).