Acts 2: 1-41, tells the story of Pentecost. The priest's vestments will be red because of two remembrances. One is the tongues of fire that rested on the disciples' heads, sent down by the Holy Spirit. The other reason the Mass celebrant will be wearing red is to represent the blood of martyrs that were able to offer their lives because of the infusion of spiritual grace they were given in their last moments.
This color was not always so. In early days, the priest wore white. The white color was because many adult converts were baptized on Pentecost. White is the color of baptism. Hence this particular Sunday was called White Sunday. Therein lies the meaning of Whitsunday.
This color was not always so. In early days, the priest wore white. The white color was because many adult converts were baptized on Pentecost. White is the color of baptism. Hence this particular Sunday was called White Sunday. Therein lies the meaning of Whitsunday.