Ascension Day commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus into Heaven, observed on the 40th day after Easter Sunday. It always falls on a Thursday and is a public holiday in many European countries.
The feast has been observed by Christians since at least the 4th century. The 40-day interval corresponds to the period Jesus is said to have spent with his disciples after the resurrection before ascending to heaven, as described in the Acts of the Apostles.
Church services with readings from Acts 1:9-11. In the Netherlands, "Dauwtrappen" — pre-dawn walks. In Germany, also Vatertag (Father's Day) is informally celebrated. In Indonesia, the holiday is recognized to support the Christian minority.
"Frohe Christi Himmelfahrt" · "Joyeuse Ascension".
Public holiday in Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Madagascar. Often creates a long weekend when paired with a "bridge" Friday.
Future dates for moving holidays (Easter, Eid, Lunar New Year, Diwali, etc.) are computed and approximate; the actual public-holiday date in some countries is fixed by official decree closer to the date.