Helluntaa

Helluntai is a Christian festival celebrated fifty days after Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, as described in the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This event is considered the birth of the Christian Church. In many traditions, Pentecost is a solemn occasion marking a significant moment in salvation history.

The name "Pentecost" comes from the Greek word pentekoste, meaning "fiftieth." In Judaism, the Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot, was celebrated fifty days after Passover. Early Christians began to associate the coming of the Holy Spirit with this existing Jewish festival, which also had agricultural and harvest themes, symbolizing the spiritual harvest of souls.

In Finland, Helluntai is a public holiday, observed on a Sunday and the following Monday. It is a time for religious services, family gatherings, and reflection. Many churches hold special services to commemorate the events of Pentecost, often with an emphasis on the gifts and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The traditions and observances can vary among different Christian denominations.