Pentecost - DanishClass101

Pentecost

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in Denmark, Lesson 18 - Pentecost

Hello and welcome to the Culture Class: Holidays in Denmark Series at DanishClass101.com.

In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Danish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 18, Pentecost. In Danish, it’s called pinse.

Seven weeks after Easter, Pentecost is celebrated and it is once again time to feast! Food and drinks are served up at every turn, so prepare your stomachs for the day's celebration!

While it makes sense to celebrate the church's third major holiday, the story associated with Pentecost is easily overlooked in today's modern society.

In this lesson, you'll learn how Danes celebrate Pentecost.

Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question:

Why, in the old days, did people go outside on Pentecost morning to sweep toward the doors of their houses?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

One of the traditions on Pentecost morning is to watch the "Whitsun" dance, or pinsesol, but its meaning has changed a little over time. According to superstition, you would see the Whitsun dance and be happy that spring and the light had returned.

Today, the holiday is more of an excuse to party the night away with family and friends. For those who want to see the traditional Whitsun dance on Pentecost morning, they'll have to watch the clock and prepare to get up early the next morning.

Another tradition is "Pentecost lunch", or pinsefrokost.

The menu closely resembles the one at Christmas parties and Easter lunches. The first dish is usually fish, then open sandwiches and various hot dishes, and finally, a cheese platter.

Unlike Christmas and Easter, hot dishes prepared for Pentecost are usually lighter, to welcome in the warmer weather of "spring", or forår.

Some breweries also release an appropriate Pentecost brew, which many people put on the table for Pentecost lunch.

As an alternative or supplement to Pentecost lunch, many Pentecost parties are held around the country, both during and in the time leading up to Pentecost. "Pentecost parties", or pinsefester, usually take place either as town festivals or are held at various institutions, such as kindergartens.

The traditions and itinerary of Pentecost may vary from place to place, but at town festivals you can often see many stalls set up with both edible and non-edible products. In addition, there may also be features with music and sport and, finally, communal dining.

Pentecost is one of those holidays where the original meaning is often forgotten. In this case, the day originally represented the Holy Spirit's descent to Jesus' apostles and the church's founding. As you can see, both the meaning and celebratory traditions have changed significantly over time.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question:

Why, in the old days, did people go outside on Pentecost morning to sweep toward the doors of their houses?

It was done because it reportedly would gather luck to the house the rest of the given year. Today, there are probably very few who keep the tradition alive by getting up and sweeping on Pentecost morning.