what actually happened and why are we free?

Today is Ascension Day and most of us will know a little bit what it means.. but it’s especially nice that we have an extra day off. Let’s be honest. But do you actually want to know what it is exactly? We explain it to you.

What do we actually celebrate on Ascension Day?

Ascension Day is a Christian holiday celebrated annually on the fortieth day after Easter. It marks the moment when Jesus Christ, according to Christian belief, ascended to heaven after His resurrection from the dead.

Ascension marks the end of Jesus Christ’s earthly presence after His resurrection. According to the New Testament, the Ascension took place on the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem. Jesus gathered His disciples (His followers) and commissioned them to spread the Gospel all over the world, then He ascended and disappeared. By the way, this is not just a ‘disappearance’. Christians often see it as a final ‘enthronement’. Jesus went to the supernatural world and rules the earth from there.

Then why are we actually free? In the Middle Ages, almost all Europeans saw themselves as Christians. On Ascension Day there were special festivities and church services. Gradually it also became an official day off, to give the faithful the opportunity to participate in all activities, as can be read on EO. Today, of course, many people are still religious and it is not customary to abolish such a holiday.

Fun things to do during Ascension Day

Are you free today? And tomorrow too? Then you have a nice long weekend ahead of you! There are also many fun things to do. Our colleagues from NSMBL have listed a number of fun activities for you, so that you don’t have to get bored these days. Don’t mention it!

Binge on: starting today, ‘XO, Kitty’ is available on Netflix