Ascension Day in United States ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Ascension Day in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, is a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ’s return to heaven after his crucifixion and resurrection. It is typically observed on the 40th day of Easter (the Thursday following the sixth Sunday of Easter), but some churches celebrate it on the Sunday following Easter. In the United States, Ascension Day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed by some Christian denominations.
The word “ascension” comes from the Latin ascensio, meaning “an ascent.” The feast commemorates Jesus’ physical ascent into heaven after his death and resurrection. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that he will be going to heaven but that they will remain on earth (Luke 24:50-51). After blessing them, he is “lifted up” before their eyes and disappears into a cloud (Luke 24:51).
The Ascension is one of the key events of the Christian faith, signifying Jesus’ triumph over death and his return to the right hand of God the Father. It also marks the beginning of the Great Commission, in which Jesus commands his disciples to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
While the exact date of the Ascension is not known, the holiday is usually celebrated on the 40th day of Easter, which falls on a Thursday. In some years, however, it is celebrated on the Sunday following Easter.