Pentecost

Pentecost literally means fifty, and is celebrated fifty days after the Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, mother of Jesus and the Apostles of Jesus while they were in Jerusalem, as described in the Acts of the Apostles.  At Pentecost, disparate peoples of various languages and cultures found a common voice through the Holy Spirit. Traditional interpretation holds that the Descent of the Holy Spirit took place in the Upper Room. This Upper Room was the location of the Last Supper and the institution of Holy Communion also. Red is the traditional color worn during this celebration. It symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit. Priests wear red vestments, and in modern times, the custom has extended to the lay people of the parish wearing red clothing in celebration as well. Red banners are often hung from walls or ceilings to symbolize the blowing of the “mighty wind” and the free movement of the Spirit.