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Whit Sunday |
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Whit Sunday (Domingo de Pentecostés) or Pentecost (Pentecostés), is celebrated in churches both in Mexico and worldwide to remember the story of the Holy Ghost visiting Jesus' followers in the form of a dove. The occurrence is seven (7) weeks after Easter Sunday. Special church services are held on Whitsunday in Mexico with the color red being significantly used in churches to symbolize the day Jesus' disciples were blessed with "tongues of fire", or the gift of speaking in other languages, by the Holy Spirit. Here in Mexico, this is a religious observance and not a federal public holiday.
Whitsun (also Whitsunday, Whit Sunday or Whit) historically as recorded in the New Testament of the Bible, it was on this 50th day after Easter that the apostles were praying together and the Holy Spirit descended on them. It is believed that the disciples were given the supernatural ability to speak in languages they had not previously known. This ability, commonly referred to as the gift of tongues or the ability to speak in other languages occurred at this time and the apostles immediately began to preach about Jesus Christ to Jewish people from all over the world who had flocked to Jerusalem for the Feast of Shavuot. The symbols of this holiday are those of the Holy Spirit and include flames, wind, the breath of God and a dove.
Flame - Pentecost is a time of red -- a color of fire and zeal and passion and heat. The Spirit is incendiary within us and many will wear red or flame-orange clothes or accessories, especially when combined with baptismal whites. You will find many potted flowers, flame decorations and the serving of red and spicy foods (here in Mexico, lots of red peppers, chilies and tomatoes). Sharing a meal together with family, friends and
lighting a candle on the table for each person who's there, as well as perhaps ones for other loved ones who are especially missed. At Pentecost, the theme is not the kind of fire that consumes and destroys; the theme is the kind of fire that warms, energizes, excites, powers.
Doves - Is another symbol of the Spirit, since the Spirit came to Jesus' baptism in the form of a dove. The dove is also a symbol of peace, one of Jesus's profoundest hopes for the human race. So, wise sayings and symbols of peace can be used with the doves. In the context of Pentecost, peace and community are cherished as gifts of God rather than as the work of humans.
Wind or Breath of God - Is another Pentecost symbol of the Spirit, since the Hebrew word means 'wind' or 'breath'. In some places, the weather's warm enough to open the windows all the way and let the wind blow fresh air into the house. Like the wind, the Spirit is not seen except by how the surrounding world is affected.
However you might celebrate Whit Sunday, it is a good idea to carry something about the Pentecost celebration into each Sunday until Advent, to act as a reminder. Something red or fiery, something with a dove symbol, something symbolic of the wind. The most important thing about Pentecost is to learn what the Spirit does, and to trust this Spirit to lead you and empower your life.
If you are here on the island on the weekend of Whit Sunday and would like to celebrate with our local customs, please check with the local churches on the island! To find information about the churches in Cozumel, please feel free to click on our link - Cozumel Churches and the under the "Select Facility Type", select Places of Worship! Happy Whit Sunday!
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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