By the devotions of Whitsun Day we have brought to our remembrance, in the most beautiful and striking manner, the operations of God by the Spirit's power. By Proper Psalms, Proper Lessons and Eucharistic Scriptures, and by Proper Preface in the Communion Service, we learn how that in the Holy Ghost and His Presence in the Church we have the great power and renewing grace of God made availing to us. The ecclesiastical color is red as symbolical of the "cloven tongues like as of fire," in which form the Holy Ghost lighted on the head of each of the Apostles. (See HOLY GHOST.) As to the derivation of the word "Whitsun" there seems to be great uncertainty and difference of opinion. Some derive it from the word _white_, shortened to "whit," in reference to the diffusions of light and knowledge which on this day were shed upon the Apostles, in order to the enlightening of the world; also in reference to this being the time of Baptism in the ancient Church, each candidate being clothed with white garments. Others derive it from the old Saxon word _wit_, meaning wisdom which is the special gift of the Holy Ghost. Again others derive it from the word _Pentecost_, the original name of the Festival, through the German _Pfingsten_, hence Pingsten, changed in the Saxon to Wingsten, and this being corrupted into _Whitsun_, meaning, therefore the same as Pentecost, that is, the fiftieth day. (This last seems to be the most probable derivation as is seen in the use of the terms _Whitsun_ Monday, _Whitsun_ Tide, etc.) This Festival is of especial interest to Churchmen {277} as it was on Whitsun Day, June 9th, 1549, that the Book of Common Prayer, in English, was first used. "That day was doubtless chosen," says a beautiful writer, "as a devout acknowledgment that the Holy Ghost was with the Church of England in the important work then taken. May He ever preserve these devotional offices from the attacks of enmity or _unwisdom_, and continue them in that line of Catholic unity wherein He has guided the Church hitherto to keep them." Whitsun Monday; Whitsun Tuesday.--Two days observed with great solemnity as the continuation of the High Festival of Whitsun Day. For the origin and appointment of these days see EASTER MONDAY and TUESDAY. Whitsun Tide.--The week beginning with Whitsun Day is so called. During this week the Whitsun Ember Days are observed, (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday), as a preparation for Trinity Sunday, one of the stated times of Ordination.