Whitsun or Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter Sunday and is celebrated in the Christian Church. At one time it was common to conduct baptisms on this day and the white robes worn gave the name of White Sunday that eventually became Whit Sunday. Celebrated since the 3rd century AD in the Eastern Church it was assimilated to the Jewish Feast of Weeks or Shavuot.
Recognised as a joyous time by both Christians and Jews churches are filled with white icons such as flowers and white doves represent this feast. Church bells are often rung to add to the Whitsun celebrations.
At one time churches brewed Whitsun Ale and sold it to the local parishioners in order to raise funds for the upkeep of the church. Traditional food at this time was duckling with gooseberry tart as desert.
As it is based on Easter Whit Sunday also moves date from year to year. This year, 2009, it falls on 31st May and is celebrated in many parts of Europe. Copenhagen, one of the biggest, will hold it’s annual Whitsun Carnival between 29th and 31st May and is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors again this year.