Whit Monday in United KingdomQuick FactsWhit Monday is a Christian observance also known as Pentecost Monday. It is the day after Pentecost, or Whitsunday.NameWhit MondayAlternative namePentecost MondayWhit Monday 2010Monday, May 24, 2010Whit Monday 2011Monday, June 13, 2011See list of observations below Many Christians in the United Kingdom observe Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, on the day after Pentecost, which is also known as Whitsunday or Whit Sunday. This period commemorates the Holy Spirit's descent on Jesus Christ's disciples, as told in the Christian Bible.  The dove (image pictured above) often symbolizes the Holy Spirit. ©iStockphoto.com/Christopher Pollack What do people do?Many Christians in the United Kingdom observe Whit Monday and Whit Sunday, also known as Pentecost or Pentecost Sunday, by remembering the Holy Spirit's descent on Jesus' disciples and the events that followed, which are told in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Church events that observe Whit Monday may include evening services and bible group meetings. Whit Monday was once a bank holiday in the United Kingdom but the bank holiday is now allocated to the spring bank holiday on the last Monday of May. Public lifeWhit Monday is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. However, some educational institutions may close on Whit Monday so it is advised to check with these institutions about the days when they are closed. BackgroundWhit Monday used to be a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. However, the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, moved this bank holiday to the last Monday in May, following a trial period of this arrangement from 1965 to 1970. Whit Monday follows from Whit Sunday, also known as Whitsunday, Pentecost or Pentecost Sunday, which is a popular time for baptisms among some Christian churches. The Pentecost period commemorates the Holy Spirit's coming to Jesus' disciples, which is recorded in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Many Christians see this event as the beginning of the Christian church. Past Whit Monday activities that have occurred in the United Kingdom include Whit Monday pilgrimages in areas such as Walsingham. SymbolsThe symbols of the Pentecost period are those of the Holy Spirit and include flames, wind, and a dove. About Whit Monday in other countriesRead more about Whit Monday.Whit Monday Observances
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