The practice of speaking in ecstatic tongues and their interpretation predates Pentecost and was of non-Christian origin. Babbling ecstatically is common in pagan religions both ancient and modern and is similar to the unintelligible speech of many charismatic churches today.

It is practiced in religions and countries around the world. It can be found among Catholics, Buddhist monks, Shaman in Ethiopia and Haitians practicing Voodoo. It is practiced at Japanese séances and in many African tribal religions amongst many others.