Daily entries from the 17th century London diary
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Whitsun (Old English for "White Sunday") is the forty-ninth day (seventh Sunday) after Easter Sunday. In the Christian calendar, it is also known as Pentecost, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples.
It has that meaning in the following:
Whitsuntide is the week of Pentecost, beginning 50 days after Easter on Whitsunday. “Whitsun” refers to the white robes worn by the newly baptised on Whitsunday. Whitsun Ales, fairs with plays and dancing, were popular during the week.