Ascension Day 2018 is today – what is the meaning behind the date and how is it marked by Christians?
The day is celebrated around the globe by Christians
ASCENSION day marks the Christian belief that Jesus ascended to heaven and is celebrated on the fortieth day of Easter.
The event is one of the earliest Christian festivals and dates back to 68 CE. Here is everything you need to know about it.
What is the meaning behind Ascension Day?
According to the bible Jesus met with his disciples during the 40 days after his resurrection to teach them how they could pass on his message.
On the 40th day it is said he took them to the Mount of Olives where they watched him ascend to heaven - which is what Ascension Day marks.
The day also marks the end of the Easter season and takes place 10 days before Pentecost.
Ascension Day is also known as Holy Thursday, Ascension Thursday, and The Feast of Ascension.
How is it marked by Christians?
Christians mark the day by attending church services, praying and singing hymns and the Easter candle, called a Paschal, is put out.
The congregation might be offered communion known as Euchrist and those who attend Sunday school or take part in Religious studies are likely to take part in lessons or activities that explore the day's meaning.
Some Roman Catholic churches don't celebrate Ascension Day on the Thursday after obtaining permission from the Vatican to observe the Feast of Ascension on the following Sunday.
Similarly The United Methodist Church celebrate it on the following Sunday to encourage more Christians to celebrate it.
The earliest possible date for it to be celebrated is April 30 and the latest is June 3.
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What traditions are related to Ascension Day?
In Germany Father's Day, Vatertag, is generally celebrated on the same date as traditionally in the 18th century prizes were awarded to father's after Ascension Day parades in rural areas.
In England an old tradition with the day is that if Ascension Day is sunny the summer will be warm, but if it rains there will be a poor harvest and livestock will suffer from disease.
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