Whit Monday in the United Kingdom

Overview: Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday that occurs on the day after Pentecost, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. This holiday has a shifting date that depends on Easter and is celebrated seven weeks after Easter Sunday.

History and Traditions: In the UK, Whit Monday was historically a bank holiday. The name "Whit" comes from "Whitsun," or "Whitsunday," which refers to White Sunday, a time when candidates for baptism would traditionally wear white garments. This day was once one of the most important feasts in the Christian calendar after Christmas and Easter.

During its observance as a public holiday, it was common for communities to hold Whit Walks or Whit processions, which were particularly significant in the North of England. These were often grand parades involving church congregations and Sunday school children.

Modern Observance: However, since 1971, Whit Monday's status as a bank holiday has been replaced by the fixed Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May. While some churches and communities may still observe religious aspects of Whit Monday with special services or events, it no longer retains its status as a public national holiday.

On this day now, people might attend church services or participate in local festivals if they are held. However, for many in the UK, it is no longer marked by widespread public celebrations or specific traditions due to its replacement by the secular Spring Bank Holiday.