How Is Pentecost Celebrated Today? Meaning and Traditions

Written by Dianna Wiebe on May 21, 2025.

INSIDE: Discover how Pentecost is celebrated today in Christian and Messianic traditions. Teach its meaning with fun, engaging Bible activities.

Pentecost is one of the most powerful and meaningful events in Bible history, marking the coming of the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai in the Old and the giving of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. But how is Pentecost celebrated today? What do churches and Messianic Jewish communities do to remember and honor this important feast?

Let’s explore the meaning behind Pentecost and the unique traditions practiced by Christians and Messianic Jews today.

What Does Pentecost Mean?

The word Pentecost means “fiftieth” and refers to the fiftieth day after Passover (in the Old Testament) or Easter (in the Christian tradition). In the Bible, it’s also called the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot in Hebrew (Exodus 34:22; Acts 2).

In the Old Testament, Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
In the New Testament, Pentecost marks the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, when the early church was empowered to share the Gospel and live holy lives.

How Is Pentecost Celebrated in Christian Churches Today?

Many churches observe Pentecost as the “birthday of the Church.” Celebrations vary depending on denomination, but here are some common traditions:

Red décor and clothing to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit
Reading Acts 2 and discussing the gift of the Spirit
Special prayers and songs, often focused on unity, revival, and the work of the Spirit
Confirmation ceremonies in some denominations
Sermons on spiritual gifts and the boldness of the early church

Some churches also use Pentecost Sunday as an opportunity for community outreach, inspired by the Gospel going out to the nations in Acts 2.

How Is Pentecost Celebrated in Messianic Jewish Communities?

Messianic Jews often observe Shavuot with a rich blend of Jewish tradition and New Testament fulfillment.

Common Shavuot traditions include:

Reading Exodus 19–20 and the book of Ruth
All-night Torah study sessions (called Tikkun Leil Shavuot)
Decorating with greenery, symbolizing the harvest and new life
Eating dairy foods, like cheesecake and blintzes, based on traditional interpretations of the Word being “like milk and honey”
Recognizing the giving of the Holy Spirit as the fulfillment of the promise in Jeremiah 31:33

Many Messianic congregations will teach both the Mount Sinai and Acts 2 events, showing how God worked through history to fulfill His promises.

Why Should We Teach About Pentecost?

Understanding how Pentecost is celebrated today gives students a deeper appreciation for both the biblical roots and modern meaning of this day. It’s a perfect time to connect the Old and New Testaments and to show how God’s plan unfolds through time.

Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, church, or co-op, Pentecost is a great opportunity to:

Teach Bible timelines and connections
Encourage prayer and reflection on the Holy Spirit
Show how biblical feasts still speak to us today

Want to Teach More About Bible Feasts?

We’ve got you covered! Our Biblical Feasts Study walks you through the major feasts, including Pentecost/Shavuot, with easy-to-follow lessons, timeline activities, and flexible options for any setting.

👉 Check out the Biblical Feasts Study here!