Whit Sunday Description
Whit Sunday celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, fifty days after Easter. While it is a recognized public holiday, falling on a Sunday it has limited commercial impact. Church services include confirmation ceremonies in many parishes, and the day is sometimes called the "birthday of the Church" in Norwegian Lutheran tradition. Families often gather for festive meals, and some communities hold local celebrations. Many Norwegians take advantage of the long weekend created with Whit Monday for outdoor activities — boating, hiking, and gardening as spring is in full bloom across the country.