Ascension Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Feb 10, 2022
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit
Christ is exalted into heaven on Ascension Day, also known as Holy Thursday.

Where is Ascension Day celebrated?

Ascension Day is a Christian celebration, and it is celebrated all over the world.

As a religious commemoration day, Catholics and Anglican Christians celebrate this Day. Ascension Day is a Christian holiday upholding this Christian belief.

When did Ascension Day first start?

The Greek Christian historian, Eusebius, hints at the celebration dating back to the fourth century. St. Augustine claimed it was of Apostolic origin, and it was acknowledged as a general church observance even before his time. In 385 AD, the first mention of Ascension Day feast was recorded.

Who started Ascension Day?

Christians and Catholics started celebrating Ascension Day all over the world.

History And Timeline

According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ's life had five phases -Baptism, Transformation, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension. According to the Bible's New Testament, Jesus Christ was crucified on Good Friday.

After three days, he was resurrected, and that day is celebrated as Resurrection Sunday (or Easter for the rest of the world).

For 40 days, he stayed with his disciples - the Apostles- and taught them about the Kingdom of Heaven and how to execute his teachings. By the end of the 40th day, he called his disciples to Mount Olivet, and from there, in front of the gazing eyes of the Apostles, Christ ascended to his holy abode- heaven.

Maundy Thursday

On this Thursday, Jesus Christ washed his disciples' feet and had the Last Supper with them.

04/01/33 AD

Jesus Was Crucified

Jesus was arrested, tried, and sentenced to be scourged by Pontius Pilate and crucified by the Romans at Calvary.

04/03/33 AD

The Church Establishes Easter

After crucifixion and burial, on the third day, Jesus was resurrected and lived for 4o days.

04/05/33 AD

The Ascension

40 days after his resurrection, Christ ascended into heaven.

05/14/33 AD

Commemoration Of Ascension Day

40 days after Easter, there is documented evidence of the celebration of the Ascension of Christ in 68 AD.

385 AD

Traditions And Customs

According to an old English tradition, if Ascension Day is sunny, the summer will be warmer. But if the day is rainy, then the harvest will be poor.

In the early morning, at sunrise, Swedish people probe into the woods to hear a cuckoo from the west or east. It is considered good luck on Ascension Day.

The Easter candle or the Paschal is taken out and lit.

People make cloud-like meringues and easy pavlova for dinner. At night, some people like to look up into the sky and imagine the feeling of watching the Ascension.

The church observes with banners and torches and seeks blessings for its vegetables and fruits.

Ways To Celebrate Ascension Day

In some countries, the 'devil' is chased through the streets and dipped in a pond. Effigies are burnt, symbolizing the triumph of God over evil.

The Portuguese celebrate it as a day for prosperity and wishes. They make bouquets with olive branches and bundles of daisies and poppies.

Facts And Stats

  • Ascension Day is always on a Thursday.
  • The Catholic church observes this Holy Day. Some countries don't have a public holiday, so they get permission to observe it on the coming Sunday from the Vatican.
  • Other than Easter, Pentecost, and Passion, the Ascension of Jesus is one of the ecumenical feasts for some churches.
  • The day is not a publicly recognized holiday in Australia, the U.S., Canada, and the UK.

What happens on Ascension Day?

There are processions with banners and torches symbolizing Christ's entry to heaven.

Why is Ascension Day on a Thursday?

Per the Bible, Ascension Day is on Thursday, the 40th day after Easter Sunday. For 40 days, he spoke to his followers and ascended into heaven as he blessed them.

Who started Ascension Day?

The Christian church started celebrating Ascension Day as a Holy Day.

When is Ascension Day?

Ascension Day is on Thursday, May 22, 2022.

How do people celebrate Ascension Day?

Some churches conduct mass and hold processions carrying banners and torches.

Why do people celebrate Ascension Day?

To commemorate the rising of Jesus into heaven.

What is the significance of Ascension Day?

This public holiday highlights Christ being exalted and glorified and returning to the heavens to be with his Father - God - after his resurrection, according to Christianity.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, May 21, 2020
  • Thursday, May 13, 2021
  • Thursday, May 26, 2022
  • Thursday, May 18, 2023
  • Thursday, May 09, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

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Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

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