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Pentecost 2025: Faith, traditions and the power of change!
At Pentecost 2025, Vienna will shed light on insights into the Acts of the Apostles, monastic life and traditional customs.
Pentecost 2025: Faith, traditions and the power of change!
On June 8, 2025, not only Pentecost will be celebrated in Vienna, but also the deeper meaning of the festival and all kinds of customs that are associated with it. As ORF reports, Pentecost, which is celebrated 50 days after Easter, is celebrated in many cultures and faiths. The festival, derived from the Greek “Pentekoste,” commemorates the giving of the Torah and the special experience that Jesus’ disciples had 50 days after Passover.
Pentecost in particular is about opening hearts, which fits perfectly with the motto Little Sisters of the Lamb in Vienna-Brigittenau: “Even if I am hurt, I will never stop loving.” This community, led by Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, lives in a small monastery in the 20th district and is committed to carrying the peace and tenderness of the Father into the world. The message of the festival is reflected in their daily activities.
The symbolism of Pentecost
The idea of Pentecost is closely linked to the experience of the Holy Spirit, who is described as the wind of change. In his new book “What about Love?”, former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell addresses how empathy and humanity should play a more important role in international politics. His reflections on historical moments, such as the concerts in Moscow before the end of the Soviet Union, could not seem more appropriate for the festival of Pentecost, which conjures up the spirit of change.
customs and traditions
However, Pentecost is not just a spiritual celebration; it is also an occasion for numerous regional traditions. As EKHN notes, there are many customs in Germany and Austria that accompany the festival. In southern Germany and Switzerland, strong oxen are ceremoniously decorated and equestrian processions take place to ask for blessings for the new seeds. Another popular custom is decorating with birch branches, which is practiced in many communities.
For many people, Pentecost also means being active in nature. Ecumenical Pentecost walks invite you to walk through the landscape with prayers and singing. The tradition of the Pentecost fountain, in which fountains are decorated with birch leaves to honor water as a source of life, is also widespread.
This diversity of customs and the deeper message of Pentecost invite you to pause and strengthen your relationship to community and faith. Even the plant world finds expression in this festival: Klaudia Blasl, an expert on poisonous plants, uses her work to research the religious naming of plants and some of their symbolic meanings.
Overall, Pentecost is more than just a holiday; it is a celebration of community, renewal and hope. While people in Vienna and elsewhere maintain these traditions, the spirit of Pentecost is felt everywhere, from the monasteries to the city parks.