Whit Sunday, also known as Pentecost Sunday, is an important festival in the Christian calendar. It is celebrated in Norway with great reverence and it is one of the country's official public holidays. The day is marked on the seventh Sunday after Easter and it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, scene described in the New Testament of the Bible.
In Norway, the day is known as 'pinsedag' and it's a day when people take time off work, attend church services, and take part in various cultural and family activities. The churches are often beautifully dressed with white flowers, symbolizing purity, peace, and the Holy Spirit. Those looking for a more traditional setting can visit churches in Norway to witness the decorations and the service that includes hymns, reading, and prayers specific to this occasion.
Pinsedag is not simply a matter of religious observance, but also brings with it some culturally significant practices and customs. Some Norwegians still observe old rural traditions such as 'pinsebrud', a wedding celebration held on Whit Sunday or Whit Monday. In recent years, however, the focus of the holiday has shifted more to the start of the Norwegian summer season, and it's seen as a time for outdoor activities and gatherings with family and friends.