Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, is a Christian holy day celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday, commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It marks the end of Christ's earthly ministry and His return to the Father, as described in the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of Luke.

Table of Contents

1. When is Ascension Day?
2. The History of Ascension Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Ascension Day and Orthodox Ascension Day

When is Ascension Day?

Ascension Day is observed on the 40th day after Easter Sunday, always falling on a Thursday. Its date varies each year because it depends on the date of Easter, which is a movable feast determined by the lunar calendar.

The following is the list of Ascension Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Ascension Day

Ascension Day is a pivotal event in the Christian narrative, marking the completion of Christ's earthly ministry and His exaltation at the right hand of the Father.

According to the Biblical origins, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days, teaching them about the Kingdom of God. On the 40th day, He led them to the Mount of Olives, where He ascended into heaven in their presence, promising to send the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them.

The Ascension was commemorated by the earliest Christian communities, as it was considered a cornerstone of the faith, affirming Christ's divinity and His ongoing intercession for humanity. By the 4th century, Ascension Day had become a distinct feast in the liturgical calendar. Early Church Fathers noted its widespread observance. Along with Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost, it was considered one of the "high holy days".

In medieval Europe, Ascension Day was celebrated with solemn processions, special Masses, and outdoor services. Priests often dramatized the Ascension by raising a statue of Christ through a church roof or using a cloud-like platform to symbolize Jesus's ascent.

The Catholic Church continued to celebrate Ascension Day as a major feast, incorporating it into the liturgical calendar with solemn Masses and readings from Acts and Luke. After the Reformation, Protestant churches retained Ascension Day as an important observance, focusing on Christ's glorification and His promise of the Holy Spirit.

In many predominantly Christian countries, Ascension Day is a public holiday with both religious and cultural significance.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Western Ascension Day, Christians participate in a variety of religious and community activities that reflect the theological significance of Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. The day is a time of worship and celebration, marking the completion of Christ's earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church's mission.

Christians attend special Masses or worship services focused on the theme of Christ's ascension. In some traditions, processions may be held to commemorate Christ's journey to heaven.

Historically, churches dramatized the Ascension using statues or platforms to symbolically "raise" a representation of Christ into the air. In some regions, people climb hills or towers to symbolize Christ's ascent from the Mount of Olives.

In countries where Ascension Day is a public holiday, families and communities often spend the day outdoors, enjoying meals and recreational activities. Families may prepare festive meals or traditional foods associated with the day.

Reflecting Christ's mission, many Christians engage in charitable acts, such as helping the less fortunate or donating to their church or community.

In rural areas of Europe, Ascension Day was associated with the blessing of fields and crops asking for a fruitful harvest.

Ascension Day and Orthodox Ascension Day

Both Ascension Day and Orthodox Ascension Day commemorate the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, but they differ in their timing and cultural traditions due to differences in the Western Christian (Gregorian) calendar and the Eastern Orthodox (Julian) calendar.

Ascension Day is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday based on the Gregorian calendar, while Orthodox Ascension Day is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday based on the Julian calendar.

Ascension Day is part of the Easter season in the Western Christian tradition (Roman Catholic, Protestant, Anglican), while Orthodox Ascension Day is part of the Paschal cycle in Eastern Orthodoxy, leading up to Pentecost.

On Ascension Day, people climb hills or towers to symbolize Christ's ascent in some regions. Similar customs exist in certain Orthodox regions, but they are often tied to local traditions.

Processions and ecumenical services may emphasize unity and mission on Ascension Day, while community gatherings and shared meals are common after the Divine Liturgy on Orthodox Ascension Day.

Ascension Day emphasizes Jesus's return to the Father and His divine kingship, and Orthodox Ascension Day celebrates Christ's enthronement at the right hand of the Father.