“Since Jesus was crucified”, “Maria went in the sky” , “what does that have to do with the resurrection, is it?” “Something with palm branches…”
polls indicate regularly that a majority of Germans know little about the background of Pentecost. The Catholic news Agency (KNA) fixed answers some important questions about the Christian high this year on 9. and 10. June is celebrated.
Is the whit Monday everywhere holiday?
First, the Practical: In Germany, whit Monday is a public holiday, even if there were initiatives to change this – such as business associations. In many other European countries, there is also a working whit Monday. In France, it was abolished in 2005, 2008 but was re-introduced.
In Italy and thus also in the Vatican is the whit Monday is not a statutory holiday, just like in most countries outside of Europe.
What is it on the day of Pentecost?
Pentecost is the Feast of the descent of the Holy spirit on the apostles, who had waited with Mary in the upper room on it. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter and 10 days after the ascension of Christ. The word “Pentecost” comes from the Greek “Pentekoste hemera” (fiftieth day).
What is the biblical origin?
Luke describes the Pentecost event in the acts of the apostles, like this:
“There came suddenly from heaven a sound, as if the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they (the Disciples) were. And tongues as of fire, distributed appeared to them; on each of them settled. All of them were filled with the Holy spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance.”
In Jerusalem this strange event attracts a curious crowd, Jews from all parts of the country, many from the Diaspora, including the Egyptians, Romans, Cretans and Arabs. They are “beside themselves with Amazement”, because each one heard the Disciples in his own native language talk.
What is the meaning of Pentecost for the Church?
Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church. The Holy spirit is to receive according to Catholic teaching, Person, word and Work of Jesus alive. The language of miracles shows that the message is for the whole world. Such as Christmas and Easter, the high festival in Germany two holidays.
In many Catholic dioceses, the annual priest and then consecrate. In addition, the Pentecostal action of the Catholic Eastern Europe-ends plant Renovabis, aid with the collection of donations in all worship services.
And whit Monday?
For the second holiday, there is no theological reason, many Catholic parishes in Germany use it for Ecumenical celebrations and initiatives, together with the Protestant communities.
Traditionally, many Church youth groups and associations take advantage of the Whitsun week-end for camp and similar events. Strawberry cake: Quick cottage cheese recipe with rice waffles without baking PCP strawberry cake: Quick cottage cheese recipe with rice waffles without baking
Which customs belongs to Pentecost?
In comparison to Christmas and Easter, it has developed very little of its own tradition. Always Pentecost is also celebrated as a spring festival. This includes Flurumritte and processions, to bring the new seed of blessing belong to. In some places pigeons have been drawn, especially in the middle ages, through a hole in the Church roof to the top, to the hard-to-understand Holy spirit depict. In other churches it was raining rose petals, which should remind us of the tongues of fire.
In some regions, there are also Pentecostal traditions, which are similar to the Maibrauchtum. This includes all sorts of mischief in the night to Pentecost Monday, or even setting Up a decorated tree on the wall of the loved one belongs to. Among the nationally best-known customs of the Pentecostal ride in Kötzting in the Bavarian forest on whit Monday and the spring procession in Luxembourg, Echternach, the Tuesday after Pentecost.
And what has this to do with the pigeon in order to?
Because of the “Holy spirit” is elusive, has it presented him first as a young girl, and later as a man with three faces. Since the late middle ages, the dove is a Symbol. Already in the Old Testament, Noah from the ark was to ascend pigeons to test whether the flood is over. The connection to the Holy spirit in the New Testament, at the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan.
As it is said in Matthew: As Jesus from the rising water, “the heavens opened, and he saw the spirit of God like a dove to come down”. The dove is also in other cultures, it is important: Since ancient times, it was regarded as a symbol of meekness, simplicity and innocence – because it was believed that the dove has no gall, and is therefore free from all Evil and Bitter. In ancient India, and some of the Germanic tribes, it was regarded as a “soul bird”. Also in Islam, the cooing of the animals are sacred, because they should have protected the prophet Mohammed on the run.
What is with the new Marian feast on whit Monday?
The Vatican has introduced a new Marian feast: Mary, mother of the Church. It is celebrated around the world on the Monday after Pentecost. Specifically, regions in which the whit Monday is a common holiday that is supposed to be the new displaced are excluded but.
the First Frost, then almost 30 degree Deep Isolde Pentecost mess PCP brings the First Frost, then almost 30 degree Deep Isolde brings Pentecost, mess
Actually, the summer begins on the first of June. On the day of Pentecost is not the feel of them much to recommend it. Deep Isolde is bringing us cold air.
jmü/CBA
