Ascension Day 2023: As per Christian belief, we commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven by observing Ascension Day on the Thursday that occurs 40 (or 39) days after Easter. This year’s event will occur on May 18. The Feast of the Ascension, also known as The Ascension of Jesus, Ascension Thursday, Holy Thursday, or the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, is a Christian holiday that is also a public holiday in many countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, and others.
HISTORY OF ASCENSION DAY
Ascension Day, one of the earliest Christian holidays, concludes the Easter season. This event is predominantly observed by Catholics and Anglicans; the majority of Protestant churches no longer observe this custom. Additionally, the date varies between geographic locations. Western Churches prefer to calculate this date using the Gregorian calendar, whereas the majority of Eastern Orthodox Churches use the Julian calendar. Consequently, their festivities occur later than the Western event.
According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus Christ was resurrected three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday, on the day we know as Easter Sunday. Then, for forty days, he instructed his Apostles (the primary disciples of Christ) on how to implement his teachings. According to the Bible, Jesus Christ and his disciples travelled to Mount Olivet (or Mount Olives) near Jerusalem at the conclusion of the 40th day. Christ ascended to heaven to assume his place at the right hand of God, under the watchful gaze of his disciples, after requesting their presence. To Christians, Christ’s ascension signifies the completion of his mission on Earth and the preparation of a place in paradise for his followers.
Originally a part of the Easter celebrations, this day was separated from Easter and Pentecost over time. The Christian calendar concludes the cycle of Easter-related events with the celebration of Pentecost.
HOW TO CELEBRATE ASCENT DAY
Attend church
Discover how your local church observes this holiday. Spend some time attending a Christian Mass or church service. These services vary depending on whether the church is Protestant or Catholic, so confirm the specifics before attending.
Attend religious processions
According to tradition, this holiday is marked by a three-day procession, followed by the feast itself, which includes a procession of torches and banners to represent Christ’s journey to Mount Olives and ascension into heaven. Find out if your local church still conducts a procession, despite the fact that its celebrations may be smaller.
Listen to hymns
Traditional Ascension Day celebrations include the listening to hymns. A compilation of these religious songs will have you humming for days. Even famous musicians have been known to repeat a hymn or two throughout the years. Check out Carrie Underwood’s ‘Something In The Water,’ U2’s ‘Where The Streets Have No Name,’ and even John Legend’s ‘Preach.’
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FACTS ABOUT ASCENSION DAY
People in Sweden take early morning treks
Many people venture into the woods at 3 or 4 a.m. to hear the birds at sunrise, believing that hearing a cuckoo from the east or west brings good fortune; this practise is known as ‘gokotta.’
The British celebrated by ‘pounding the willow’
In the past, young boys were flogged with willow branches as they were driven along the parish boundaries to ward off evil.
The Welsh do not labour on this day.
Ascension Day is more than just a holiday in Wales, where it is considered unlucky to labour on that day.
Portugal celebrates by stocking their homes with maize
This day is associated with harmony and prosperity, and wheat represents prosperity in their culture.
Ascension Day is a public holiday in Indonesia.
Despite the fact that Christianity is a minority religion in Indonesia, Ascension Day is a national holiday.
WHY ASCENSION DAY IS IMPORTANT
It is an opportunity for contemplation and inner calm.
In our hectic worlds, instances where we can simply rest, reflect, and learn the true meaning of peace are rare. We recommend grasping such opportunities with both palms. This theme is emphasised during Ascension Day services. If you are not religious or a churchgoer, merely take a moment to reflect on your journey thus far and how you would like to proceed. There is no better method to observe this day than by centering your thoughts and emotions.
We study Christian traditions.
Increasing our knowledge benefits us. In addition to expanding our general knowledge, learning about Ascension Day also inspires us to observe some of the traditions.
It assists us in broadening our cultural horizons.
Such traditions have existed for a very long time and have varying degrees of significance throughout the globe. Even celebrations vary based on the traditions of a particular region. Learning more about these traditions alters our perceptions of cultures and broadens our understanding of people from other countries.
ASCENSION DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 26 | Thursday |
| 2023 | May 18 | Thursday |
| 2024 | May 9 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 29 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 14 | Thursday |
