The European Tradition of Whit Monday or Pentecost Monday

"Whit Monday" is a holiday celebrated in many European countries, but not the UK.

It is the day after Pentecost, known as Whitsunday or Pentecost Sunday. Some countries in the West Indies also observe this holiday (examples being Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia).

The name Pentecost comes from the Greek meaning "fiftieth" - referring to the fiftieth day after Passover (also known as Pesach) which originated as an agricultural or seasonal feast.

It was a public holiday in the UK until 1967 formally replaced by the Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May in 1971.

CRISPR Technology, Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein) and Underlying Inspiration (Arigato, Ishino San)

CRISPR is a tool for editing genomes (also know as CRISPR-Cas9). By altering DNA sequences, gene function can be modified.

The protein Cas9 ("CRISPR-associated protein 9") is used in this technique which is an enzyme acting as a pair of "molecular scissors".

The technique was inspired by the approach used by bacteria to defend themselves against viruses. 

It was discovered in its current form by molecular biologist Yoshizumi Ishino (PhD Osaka University).

Taking Silk

"Taking silk" refers to appointment as a Queen's Counsel (QC), an honorific title signifying excellence in Law. The designation is used in the United Kingdom, where it originated, and also in several Commonwealth countries, namely Australia, Barbados, Canada and New Zealand (where the biggest concentration is in Auckland).

Saturnalia

The ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia took place in December. The ruins of the Temple of Saturn are still visible in Rome.