What is Ascension Day?
ASCENSION Day is an important date in the Christian calendar and is observed by many around the world.
Here we take a look at the history of the day and how it is celebrated.
What is Ascension Day and what does it mean?
Ascension Day commemorates the moment Jesus ascended into heaven in front of his disciples.
Reverend Prebendary Dr Isabelle Hamley, theological adviser to the Church of England, and a regular contributor to Radio 4 Today programme’s Thought for the Day, told The Sun: ''Ascension Day is the day we remember Jesus finally leaving earth and being taken up to heaven, yet promising to be with his disciples always.
''It is a step change for the new, budding church, as they learn to live out their faith in a different way.
“Jesus is taken up to heaven, the scars of crucifixion still marking his hands.
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"In the Ascension, the whole of human experience, pain and trauma is taken up into heaven, and held by a God of love who promises to care for the people of earth.”
The day is always marked on the sixth Thursday, or 40 days, after Easter Sunday - the day Jesus rose from the dead.
It is sometimes known as Holy Thursday, Ascension Thursday, and The Feast of Ascension.
In 2023, that means it falls on Thursday, May 18, although it can fall on any date between April 30 and June 3 by the western Christian calendar.
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Why do Christians celebrate Ascension Day?
Ascension Day is one of the earliest Christian festivals dating back to 68 AD and remains a significant observance to this day.
Encyclopaedia Britannica states: ''The Feast of the Ascension ranks with Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost in the universality of its observance among Christians.''
Throughout history, Christians have marked this day by attending church services, processions, listening to hymns, praying and the Easter candle, called a Paschal, is put out.
Those who attend Sunday School or take part in Religious Studies are also likely mark the day by taking part in lessons or activities that explore its history.
Is Ascension Day a public holiday?
Ascension Day is observed by many around the world, however, it is only considered a public holiday in some countries.
It is a public holiday in France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Indonesia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Vanuatu.
Ascension Day is not a public holiday in the UK or Spain, Canada, United States, or Australia.
In countries where the date is not marked as a public holiday, it has become common to commemorate the day on the following Sunday, a week before Pentecost.
For example, The United Methodist Church marks Ascension Day follows this tradition to encourage more Christians to celebrate.