Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a significant public holiday in Austria. This holiday is celebrated on the day after Pentecost, a Christian observance that commemorates the Holy Spirit's descent upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. This event, as described in the New Testament of the Bible, happened on the fiftieth day after Easter. As such, the date of Whit Monday varies each year, falling between the end of May and the middle of June.
In Austria, Whit Monday is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Many people use the long weekend to travel or to spend time with family. Traditional celebrations often include processions, picnics, and, in rural areas, decorating the tops of trees with ribbons and flowers. In many parts of the country, special Whit Monday church services are held, where the events of Pentecost are remembered and celebrated.
The significance of Whit Monday extends beyond religious observance in Austria. It is also seen as a celebration of spring and the coming of summer. Many outdoor events are held on this day, and it is customary for people to participate in outdoor activities and communal meals. Overall, Whit Monday is an opportunity for Austrians to spend time in reflection, celebration, and appreciation of nature's rebirth after winter.