Everything You Need To Know About Ascension
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1. The date: The Ascension falls on a Thursday every year. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter (which date fluctuates between the 22nd of March and the 25th of April). In 2017 the Ascension was celebrated on Thursday the 25th of May.
2. The origin: For Christians the Ascension marks the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. After the Resurrection (an event that is celebrated during Easter), the Ascension marks the last meeting that Jesus had with his apostles and the end of his physical presence on earth.
What's more, the Ascension symbolises the new presence of Jesus in another form which is characterised by eternal life. Afterwards, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, Christians celebrate this event 10 days after Pentecost.
The number 40 occurs frequently in the Bible, it symbolises difficult times of learning and prayer. It is found in many different places but notably during the Flood, when Jesus fasted in the desert and when Moses retreated to the mountain. Note that after fasting for 40 days in Lent, it is the same amount of time until the celebration of Christ's resurrection. The Ascension in mentioned right from the end of the 4th century. During this era, the Ascension was celebrated at the same time as Pentecost, which isn't the case today.
3. The traditions: There aren't many popular traditions during the Ascension. It's an event that stays mainly in the Catholic Church, where you joyfully pray. Furthermore, the practicing congregation tend to simply have a family meal in celebration. Ascension day is neither a public nor bank holiday in the UK so everything runs as normal.
