Ascension

Ascension History

The Observance of Ascension commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven forty days after his resurrection on Easter Sunday. This signifies an important point in the Christian calendar, as it reaffirms Jesus’ divine nature and signifies the end of his time on Earth following his crucifixion and resurrection. Typically celebrated by Christians across the UK, the purpose of the Observance of Ascension is to contemplate the spiritual importance of this transition and recognize Jesus’ dedication to humanity by assuming his rightful place in heaven.

The history of the Observance of Ascension dates back over two millennia. This day has roots documented in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. According to these passages, Jesus' followers witnessed him ascend into heaven, leaving them with words of hope and assurance that the Holy Spirit would soon be with them. This event represents the fulfillment of God’s divine plan and establishes Jesus as the eternal link between heaven and earth, a core tenet of the Christian faith.

Although some aspects of the observance may vary by denomination, the Ascension (Biblical) remains fundamentally rooted in the values and beliefs of Christianity. It is widely observed in the United Kingdom, typically through special church services or prayer gatherings. As it always falls on the 40th day after Easter Sunday, Ascension is celebrated on a Thursday, precisely ten days before the arrival of the major Christian feast, Pentecost.

Ascension facts & quotes

• The Apostle's Creed, one of the statements of faith in the Christian Church, mentions Jesus' ascension:

  I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;
  And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord,
  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
  suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried.
  The third day he rose from the dead.
  He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

• Ascension is the 40th day after Easter, celebrated on the sixth Sunday of the Easter season in Protestant churches and on the 40th day after Easter in Roman Catholic churches. It commemorates the day that Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:1-11) after spending 40 days appearing to his disciples after his resurrection.
• In some parts of the UK, Ascension Day is associated with the tradition of beating the bounds, where local residents walk the boundaries of their parish to mark the boundaries and offer prayers for the protection of their community.
• It is traditional to eat foods that contain eggs on Ascension Day to symbolize the egg that represents new life and resurrection in certain parts of the UK.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Ascension

Top things to do in the UK for Ascension

• Go bird watching. A custom in Sweden, is to get up early in the morning of Ascension and venture out into the woods to listen for the call of a cuckoo. It is considered good luck to hear one on this holiday.
• Go to church and learn about why Jesus' ascension is important to the Christian faith. Jesus is considered to be both human and divine, and the ascension is an illustration of Christ's divine nature.
• Watch a Documentary to learn more about Ascension in United Kingdom:
  1)Monarchy with David Starkey (2004-2006) - This British television series explores the history of the British monarchy from its early days to modern times.
  2)Inside the Tower of London (2018) - This documentary series delves into the history, secrets, and stories of the Tower of London.
• Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham: Located in Walsingham, Norfolk, this Anglican and Catholic pilgrimage site has an outdoor Ascension sculpture of Jesus ascending into Heaven. Pilgrims can visit the site, participate in various events, and join the prayers throughout the year, including on Ascension Day.