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PENTECOST

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(Gr. pentfcostf, “fiftieth”), in Christianity, a festival observed on the seventh Sunday (50th day) after EASTER, (q.v.), commemorating the descent of the HOLY SPIRIT (q.v.) on the Apostles as they celebrated the ancient Jewish feast of Shabuoth (see Acts 2:1–4). In the early church it was a time for administration of the sacrament of baptism, and in the Church of England and other Anglican churches the festival is called Whitsunday in allusion to the white robes traditionally worn by the newly baptized. For a discussion of the Jewish holiday, see SHABUOTH.

An article from Funk & Wagnalls® New Encyclopedia. © 2006 World Almanac Education Group. A WRC Media Company. All rights reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by written agreement, uses of the work inconsistent with U.S. and applicable foreign copyright and related laws are prohibited.

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