Whit Monday - June 09, 2025

What is Whit Monday? 

Whit Monday, Monday of the Holy Spirit, or Pentecost Monday, is the day after Pentecost, a moveable feast in the Christian liturgical calendar.

The Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, marks the beginning of Ordinary Time in the Catholic Church. As Easter determines this day, it is different every year.

Whit Monday's English name is derived from "Whitsunday," the English name for one of the three baptismal seasons, Pentecost. The white clothing once worn by persons freshly baptized on this feast is usually thought to be the source of the name "Whit Sunday."

It is a Christian holiday. According to the New Testament of the Bible, Whit Monday commemorates the descent of the "Holy Spirit" onto Jesus's disciples.

Whit Monday All Quick Overview

• Category: Religious
• Where It’s Marked: White Monday is a public holiday in many European countries and some former colonies
• Why It’s Marked: According to the New Testament of the Bible, Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday celebrates the holy spirit's descent onto Jesus's disciples.

History of Whit Monday

Christian Pentecost celebrates the visit of the Holy Spirit to the apostles who were given the "gift of tongues" on the 50th day following Easter. It also commemorates the foundation of the Christian Church. Although it is uncertain, Christians may have celebrated Pentecost as early as the first century.

Pentecost happens 50 days after Easter Sunday, or approximately seven weeks after Easter Sunday. The March equinox's ecclesiastical estimate determines the Easter date. Similar to Pentecost, Whit Monday can change because the date of Easter sets it.

In Pennsylvania, a Dutch country in the United States, Whit Monday was one of the main annual festivals. Whit Monday was known as the "Dutch Fourth of July" in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when people flocked to eat, drink, and be entertained from around 1835 until just after the Civil War.

Whit Monday was a bank holiday in the UK  and a public holiday in Ireland until 1967. It was then formally replaced by a fixed spring holiday on the last Monday in May 1971.

Because some orthodox churches continue to celebrate festivals using the Julian calendar, they observe Whit Monday a day or two after the date established by the western churches. Before churches in the west widely accepted the Gregorian calendar, they used the Julian calendar.

How to Celebrate Whit Monday

Christians around the world celebrate Monday in many ways. That's why a variety of traditions mark Whit Monday. In some regions of England, contests for throwing and rolling cheese are held. 

Local brass bands, clergy, officials, and organizations arrange Whit walks parades in other country regions. The walks usually end with various events, such as competitions, dancing, and cuisine. 

However, here are some ideas to celebrate this day.

1. You Can Go to church.

Celebrating Whit Monday is a common affair in all Catholic churches. On this, the Catholic churches arrange many activities and programs. So you can participate in the celebrations at your local church and completely devote yourself to the day’s festivities.

2. Dress up in white

The color white marks Whit Monday. So to make this day more memorable and enjoyable with your loved ones, dress in white colors.

3. Join a prayer rally

Whit Monday celebrations include many street marches and prayer gatherings. These are enjoyable ways to celebrate, especially if you want to celebrate the day with kids.

4. Do Charity

Whenever there is any good cause or occasion, donating some money to your favorite local charity goes a long way. See this as an opportunity to spread spiritual beauty.

Countries That Observe Whit Monday

Many European countries and a few former colonies currently observe Whit Monday as an official public holiday. The names of the countries are as follows:

Anguilla, Andorra, Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados,  Bahamas, Belgium, British Virgin Islands, Bénin, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo (Republic),  Dominica, Denmark, France, Faroe Islands, French Polynesia, French Guiana, Gabon, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Grenada, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Martinique, Mayotte, Madagascar, Monaco, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Netherlands, Norway, Réunion, Saint Helena, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, Sénégal, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Solomon Islands, Switzerland, Togo, Ukraine, Wallis and Futuna

Many countries call Whit Monday  "the second Whitsun" or  "the second day of Pentecost."

Interesting Facts About Whit Monday

Do you want to learn some exciting facts about Whit Monday? Here you go.

• The Eastern Orthodox church observes Whit Monday as the Monday of the Holy Spirit.
• The celebration of Whit Monday, the day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, is thought to have originated in the first century.
• On Whit Sunday, the church wears white; the emblems for Whit Monday are doves, fires, wind, and the breath of God.
• Whit Sunday is also observed in France under the name Day of Solidarity.

Whit Monday Quotes

Here are three suggestions if you are looking for beautiful wishes to send your loved ones on Whit Monday.

"May Lord cleanse your heart of all malice and show you the path of a true devotee; wishing you a very happy Whit Monday!"

"Happy Whit Monday! May this year bring you uncountable joys, and may you never be without the company of your near and dear ones!"

"Let's all rejoice and celebrate the holy season of White Monday, and remember to love and cherish our family and friends above all else!"

FAQ

1. Why is Whit Monday a holiday?

Whit Monday is a Christian holiday because this celebration honors the imparting of the Saint-Esprit ("Holy Spirit") to Jesus' followers.Why is Whit Monday a holiday? Whit Monday is a Christian holiday because this celebration honors the imparting of the Saint-Esprit ("Holy Spirit") to Jesus' followers.

2. Do Americans celebrate Whit Monday?

Whit Monday was a significant festival for the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers in America. However, it is no longer a public holiday in the United States.

3. How is Whit Monday determined?

Whit Monday is a moveable event because it is determined by the date of Easter.

4. What does Pentecost mean literally?

Pentecost is derived from the Greek word pentecostē which means “50th day.”