The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord
On May 21, Ukrainians celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, a holiday that falls on the fortieth day after Easter and always lands on a Thursday. This observance commemorates the event when Jesus Christ, after His resurrection on Easter, appeared to His disciples over forty days, teaching them about the Kingdom of God. On the fortieth day, Jesus ascended into heaven before the eyes of His apostles. In folk tradition, this date also marks the transition from spring to summer and the beginning of truly warm weather.
Celebration Traditions
The customs surrounding the Ascension of the Lord have deep historical roots. On this day, people baked ritual cookies shaped like ladders and prepared flat pancakes from millet flour. In some regions, families would bake Easter breads and dye eggs for memorial purposes. Farmers would walk through their fields and roll dyed eggs over the crops, a practice believed to ensure a bountiful harvest. According to popular belief, 'so that Jesus has something to climb up to heaven,' there is a tradition of baking ladder-shaped pastries. It is also said that 'by the Ascension, the grain begins to form ears.'
Key traditions observed on the Ascension of the Lord include:
- attending church services;
- sharing a festive meal;
- decorating churches.
Believers often pray on this day, and a common prayer goes as follows:
'God, Your Son today ascended into heaven before the eyes of the apostles. Grant that we, according to Your promise, may be worthy of His presence with us on earth and of eternal life with Him in heaven. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.'
The Feast of the Ascension also comes with certain prohibitions. On this day, it is forbidden to perform household chores or work in the garden, such as digging, sowing, or building. Activities like sewing, knitting, embroidering, and laundry are also prohibited. People are advised not to grieve, dwell on negative thoughts, quarrel with family members, or use foul language. Additionally, wedding ceremonies are not permitted on the Ascension of the Lord.
The next major Christian holiday following the Ascension in 2025 will be Pentecost (Trinity Sunday).
The Ascension of the Lord holds significant importance in Christian tradition, symbolizing not only the physical departure of Jesus Christ but also the spiritual connection between believers and God. This holiday reflects deep folk customs that have been preserved and passed down through generations, highlighting the value of family bonds and shared rituals. The celebration of the Ascension also marks the shift toward summer festivities, which in Ukraine have long been accompanied by agricultural rites aimed at ensuring a good harvest.
As Ukrainians commemorate the Ascension of the Lord, it's also a time to reflect on other significant celebrations within the Orthodox tradition. For instance, the feast honoring Saints Constantine and Helen, which coincides with the Ascension, holds a special place in the hearts of believers. To learn more about the customs and significance of this dual celebration, you can read about how Orthodox Christians in Ukraine celebrate these important events.