The old English word hwit can mean “bright, radiant; clear, fair”.
Years ago, the newly baptised wore white at this time. (In the 50s when I was young it was a time for Confirmation, when we also wore white). It is one of the three festivals when one is supposed to take communion: Christmas, Easter, Whitsun.
In medieval times, it was an important date because those in domestic service to a landowner would be free to celebrate. Among the traditions associated with Whitsuntide are Whit Walks, including brass bands and choirs. Whit fairs and parades also took place during the break, along with Morris dancing.
Drinking Whitsun ales was customary. In 1826, answering a survey, the Kintbury’s Rev’d Fulway Craven Fowle was asked the question:
“Have you any Wake or Whitsun-ale doles, annual processions or perambulations?“
He answered:
“Chiefly at night. A drunken whitsuntide and not a sober feast.”
One presumes this also applied to other villages near by: Inkpen, West Woodhay, Hamstead Marshall etc.
Penny Fletcher, June 2023
Kintbury and Beyond 