Christianity & Shavu’ot
Many features of Shavu’ot found their way into Christian practice.
The name Pentecost is an example. Whitsun saw churches decorated with flowers and foliage and in parts of Central Europe private houses were also decorated in this way.
Dairy dishes became popular amongst gentiles at this season. It is said that the Jewish choice of milchig dishes derives from Psalm 68:16, which refers to a mountain of gavnunim, which some translate as “cheeselike”.
Cheesemaking is a traditional activity amongst European gentiles at this time of year. It is said by some that this is influenced by an ancient Roman custom.
