Ascension Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Ascension Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Ascension Day is observed on May 18th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Ascension Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you ought to know about Ascension Day.

📅 What day is Ascension Day 2024?

In 2024, Ascension Day is on Thursday, May 18th. It is the 3rd Thursday in May; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about May 18, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascent into heaven. It takes place 40 days after Easter, which falls on May 18th this year. This festival, also called the Feast of the Ascension or the Ascension of Jesus, is observed as a public holiday in several countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, and more.

📜 Ascension Day History

According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus Christ rose from the dead three days after being crucified on Good Friday, which is now celebrated as Easter Sunday. He spent 40 days with his original disciples, teaching them how to live according to his teachings. On the 40th day, Jesus and his disciples went to Mount Olivet near Jerusalem. There, in front of his followers, Jesus ascended to heaven and sat at God’s right hand. This event is believed to signify the completion of his earthly mission and the preparation of a place in heaven for his followers. In the past, Ascension Day was celebrated together with Easter, but it was eventually separated and now marks the end of the Easter season. The cycle of Easter-related festivities concludes with the celebration of Pentecost.

✅ Ascension Day Facts

🔖 The British celebrated by ‘beating the willow’
In the past, when young boys were taken along the parish boundaries, they would be subjected to beatings using willow branches as a way to protect them from evil.

🔖 Welsh people don’t work on this day
In Wales, Ascension Day is not simply seen as a holiday, as the locals strongly believe that engaging in any form of work on this day is unfortunate.

🔖 In Sweden, people go on early morning walks
“Gökotta” is a tradition where individuals venture into the woods early in the morning, around 3 or 4 a.m., to immerse themselves in the peacefulness of nature and listen to the birds singing at daybreak. The belief is that if they hear a cuckoo’s call from either the east or west, it will bring them good fortune.

👍 Why Is Ascension Day Important

In our hectic environment, there are few opportunities to simply sit, ponder, and understand the genuine meaning of serenity. This is why we urge seizing such opportunities with both hands. This concept is central to Ascension Day religious services. If you are not religious or a churchgoer, simply take a minute to reflect on your journey thus far and how you would like to go. There is no better way to commemorate this day than by focusing your thoughts on yourself.

Learning new things is beneficial to our health. Furthermore, learning about Ascension Day not only broadens our general knowledge but also inspires us to participate in some of the traditions.

Such customs have existed for a long time and have gained varying degrees of prominence across the world. Even celebrations vary according to regional norms. Learning more about these traditions alters our perceptions of cultures and broadens our understanding of individuals from various countries.

🙂 How To Observe Ascension Day

⚡ Listen to hymns

⚡ Go to church
Explore how your nearby church commemorates this occasion by participating in a Mass or Christian church service. Make sure to verify the details beforehand, as these services may differ based on whether the church is Protestant or Catholic.

⚡ Attend church processions
Hymns are a prominent feature of Ascension Day ceremonies. You’ll be humming along for days if you listen to a mashup of these religious tunes. Over the years, even prominent performers have been known to hum a hymn or two. Check out “Something in the Water” by Carrie Underwood, “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2, or “Preach” by John Legend.

📅 When is Ascension Day?

View all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Christian holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Ascension Day. So be sure to check back soon.