Pentecost means a ‘free’ free Monday for many, but what exactly we are thinking about is a mystery to some. Many North Hollanders also have no idea. Reporter Suzette Nesselaar gauged in the heart of Amsterdam how the knowledge about Pentecost is.
“The feast of Pentecost is a feast of the Holy Spirit,” says pastor Jan-Jaap van Peperstraten. “We celebrated at Easter that Jesus rose from the dead. Forty days after that it is Ascension and Jesus goes back to his father in heaven. Ten days after that, the Holy Spirit is given.”
“Jesus said he wouldn’t just leave us behind,” continues Van Peperstraten. “The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God. It will inspire you in your heart, so that you know what is right to do. At Pentecost we know that we are not alone: God always remains connected to man.”
Day off, ‘but no idea why’
It is clear that the knowledge of the pastor is in order. Many churchgoers will also understand the reason behind this day off. But what about the knowledge of the North Hollanders? They seem less well informed.
“It’s a nice day off from work, but other than that I have no idea,” says one. “All I know is I’m getting paid 200 percent today,” says the other. “I only know that it has something to do with God,” one girl continues, “but other than that I don’t know anything about it.”
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