Today is the Ascension of the Lord: traditions and features of the holiday
13 June 2024 08:16
Christians of the Eastern rite celebrate the Ascension of the Lord today. The holiday, which this year fell on 13 June, is one of the 12 most important religious dates. This day is dedicated to the departure of Jesus Christ to the heavenly temple of the Lord. [ Kommersant talks about the traditions of this day and what the church forbids.
The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated on the fortieth day after the Resurrection of Christ, so the holiday always falls on a Thursday.
On this day, we remember the events that took place forty days after Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross and resurrected. After the Resurrection, the Saviour appeared to His disciples many times, strengthening their faith and preparing them for the descent of the Holy Spirit on them – for Pentecost.
On the day of the Ascension, the Lord gathered the apostles in Bethany, on the Mount of Olives. Christ blessed them and ascended into heaven as He was in the flesh.
Traditions of the Ascension of the Lord
On this day, Ukrainians traditionally went to church, lit candles for their deceased relatives and asked for forgiveness for offences to neighbours and relatives. The Ascension of the Lord is traditionally accompanied by solemn services, which begin with the evening service on the eve of the holiday.
It is customary to decorate churches with green branches and flowers on this day, symbolising new life and rebirth.
According to popular belief, on Ascension Day one should not refuse to help the needy and travellers.
Traditionally, guests are invited on Ascension Day. The hosts set a festive table with delicious food.
Ascension of Christ: folk customs
Like many other Orthodox holidays, the Ascension of the Lord has incorporated everyday folk traditions and even ancient pagan customs. For example, on Ascension Day, people used to dance in honour of the upcoming good harvest, and in some places, merry festivities were held.
On Ascension Day, people would bake pies filled with green onions, as well as special bread dishes called “ladder cakes”, on which seven “rungs” were made to symbolise the steps (according to the number of heavens of the apocalypse). These cakes were blessed in church and taken to visit relatives with treats.
Ascension of the Lord – what not to do
The Ascension of the Lord is considered one of the most festive days, so the church encourages believers to avoid hard physical labour and household chores.
Believers are advised to devote this day to prayer, attending services and spiritual reflection. It is also not customary to organise noisy celebrations or entertainment to preserve the peace and solemnity of the holiday.
What not to do on Ascension Day
- get married and get married;
- think about bad things and wish evil on other people;
- swear, make scandals, take offence;
- work physically hard;
- hurting people or animals;
- cheat and lie.
Another important prohibition on the Ascension of the Lord is related to the earth. According to popular beliefs, on this day the whole earth becomes holy, as the last thing Christ touched before ascending to heaven. That is why it is strictly forbidden to litter and spit on the ground on this holiday.
