Ascension Day

This holiday always falls on the 40th day of Eastertide, which begins on Easter Sunday. It therefore always falls on a Thursday. Ascension Day has been a public holiday in Germany since 1934. It is also a public holiday in Austria, Switzerland and several other European countries, when most shops and factories are closed. The day commemorates an event that, according to the Bible, took place 40 days after Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The Gospel writer Luke tells of Jesus’ last meeting with his disciples: “Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” In the Acts of the Apostles it says: “A cloud took him out of their sight.” Christians believe that Jesus, as the Son of God, has since sat “at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” At the end of the world, he will return to judge the living and the dead. In some regions, processions are held in the days before Ascension Day, with prayers for a good harvest. These are old traditions, some of which have continued for centuries. But as far back as the Middle Ages, the processions often ended in feasting, with plenty of alcohol. Today, Ascension Day has lost its Christian significance for many people. As early as the 19th century, “gentlemen’s outings” or “ham tours” were held on this day. After Mother’s Day was introduced in the United States shortly before the First World War, a “Father’s Day” became popular soon afterwards; it is still often called that here today. In some regions it is also called “Men’s Day” or “Gentlemen’s Day.” In some countries, Father’s Day is also celebrated on 19 March. It is then called “St Joseph’s Day,” in remembrance of Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of God. Since Ascension Day usually falls in May, the weather is already quite warm and nature is showing off its beautiful colours. Some men ride around in horse-drawn carts or go for a cheerful walk with handcarts; they have a barbecue and (sometimes) drink a lot of alcohol.