Pinkster Day

Pinkster Day

Between May 10 and June 13; 50 days after EasterWhen Pentecost (Whitsunday) became part of the Christian calendar in northern Europe, the name underwent numerous transformations. In Germany it became Pfingsten, and the Dutch called it Pinkster. When the Dutch settled in New York, they called the feast of Pentecost "Pinkster Day."
By the beginning of the 19th century, Albany had become a center for this celebration, which took place on Capitol, or "Pinkster," Hill and consisted of a week-long carnival dominated by the city's African-American population. It is said that their African-inspired dancing and music horrified the staid Dutch settlers, and by 1811 Pinkster Day had been legally prohibited by the New York state legislature.
SOURCES:
AAH-2007, p. 381
BkFest-1937, p. 244
DaysCustFaith-1957, p. 162
DictDays-1988, p. 89
FolkAmerHol-1999, p. 245