Ascension Day
We commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven (as per Christian belief) by celebrating Ascension Day, which occurs on the Thursday, which is 40 (or 39) days after Easter. This year, it will take place on May 9. Known by multiple names — The Feast of the Ascension, The Ascension of Jesus, Ascension Thursday, Holy Thursday, or Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord — this is a Christian holiday that doubles as a public holiday in many countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Switzerland and more.
History of Ascension Day
One of the earliest Christian festivals, Ascension Day marks the end of the Easter season. This event is celebrated primarily by Catholics and Anglican Christians; most Protestant churches do not follow this tradition anymore. The date, too, differs in different geographic locations. Western Churches prefer to use the Gregorian calendar for calculating this date, while many Eastern Orthodox Churches calculate this date according to the Julian calendar. As a result, their celebrations occur at a later date than the Western event.
As per the New Testament in the Bible, after Jesus Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday, he was resurrected from the dead in three days, on the day we know as Easter Sunday. For 40 days after this, he stayed with his Apostles (the primary disciples of Christ) to instruct them on how to carry out his teachings. As the Bible says, at the end of day 40, Jesus Christ and his disciples went to Mount Olivet (or the Mount of Olives), near Jerusalem. After asking them to stay, Christ then ascended to heaven to take his seat at the right hand of God, under the gaze of his disciples. To Christians, the ascension signifies that Christ completed his work on Earth and allowed him to prepare a place for his followers in heaven.
Initially a part of Easter celebrations, this day was later separated from Easter, along with Pentecost. Celebration of Pentecost ends the cycle of Easter-related events in the Christian calendar.
Ascension Day timeline
68 A.D. The Tradition Begins
Ascension Day begins to be observed, albeit with two other holidays — Easter Sunday and Pentecost.
300 A.D. Ascension Day Develops As A Separate Tradition
A decree declares this celebration now must be observed separately — it is moved to 40 days after Easter.
385 A.D. First Written Evidence Appears
We see the very first piece of written evidence that the Ascension Day Feast is celebrated.
5th century Ascension Day Starts Appearing In Art
Christian art showcases this holiday.
6th century Art Begins To Reflect Different Versions
Syria develops a different version of the Ascension, which is later adopted by Byzantine art.
18th century Germany Celebrates Father's Day
Ascension Day coincides with Father's Day in Germany — they celebrate Jesus returning to the Holy Father.
19th century Germany Celebrates With Colourful Parades
To replicate the way the Apostles walked with Jesus, Christians begin to host colorful parades as a commemoration.
How To Observe Ascension Day
Go to church
Attend church processions
Listen to hymns
Learn how your local church celebrates this day. Take some time to attend a Mass or Christian church service. Clarify the details before you go, as these services differ based on whether the church is Protestant or Catholic.
Tradition says this holiday is observed by a three-day procession, then the feast itself, which includes a procession of torches and banners to symbolize Christ’s journey to the Mount of Olives and entry into heaven. While your local church might not have such grand festivities, find out if they are still carrying out a procession.
Listening to hymns is a traditional part of Ascension Day celebrations. A medley of these religious songs can have you humming along for days. Even popular artists have been known to hum a hymn or two over the years. Check out Carrie Underwood’s ‘Something In The Water,’ or U2’s ‘Where The Streets Have No Name,’ or even John Legend’s ‘Preach.’
Facts About Ascension Day
In Sweden, people go on early morning walks
The British celebrated by 'beating the willow'
Welsh people don’t work on this day
Portugal celebrates by keeping wheat in their houses
Indonesia has a public holiday on Ascension Day
Many people go out into the woods at 3 AM or 4 AM to hear the birds at sunrise, believing that hearing a cuckoo from the east or west brings them good luck — this activity is called ‘gökotta.’
In the olden days, as young boys were driven along the parish boundaries, they were beaten with willow branches to drive away evil.
It is more than a holiday celebration in Wales — Welsh people believe that it is unlucky to do any work on Ascension Day.
Traditionally, rural Portuguese households keep wheat in their homes throughout the coming year — this day is associated with peace and prosperity and, to them, wheat symbolizes prosperity.
Despite Christianity being a minor religion in Indonesia, Ascension Day is designated as a public holiday.
Why Ascension Day Is Important
It is an opportunity for reflection and to gain inner peace
We learn about Christian traditions
It helps us expand our cultural horizons
Instances, where we can simply sit, reflect, and learn the true meaning of peace, are rare in our busy worlds. This is why we recommend holding onto such chances with both hands. Ascension Day church services center around this theme. If you are not a religious or church person, simply take a moment to sit by yourself and reflect on your journey so far and how you would like to continue. There’s no better way to celebrate this day than by centering yourself and your thoughts.
Expanding our knowledge is good for us. Plus, learning about Ascension Day not only helps us expand our store of general knowledge, but also inspires us to observe some of the traditions.
Such traditions have been prevalent for a long time, and have taken on varying degrees of importance around the world. Even festivities change as per the customs of a certain region. Learning more about these traditions changes our views of cultures and gives us extended knowledge of people from other nations.
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