Why is Ascension Day a public holiday in France? Origin and history

Published by Caroline de Sortiraparis, My de Sortiraparis · Photos by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Published on May 9th, 2023 at 01:10 p.m.
The Ascension is one of the great religious feasts for Christians. But do you know its history and origin, and do you know why this day is a holiday in France? We tell you.

Alongside Easter, theAssumption and All Saints' Day, there is also theAscension. Public holiday in France, we explain you the origin and the history of this religious feast which traditionally takes place every year 40 days after Easter Sunday. Its date changes every year but always takes place on a Thursday, allowing some French people to enjoy the famous Ascension Day bridge.

But what is behind this holiday? TheAscension, not to be confused with the Assumption which takes place on August 15, comes from the Latin"ascensio", meaning"to go up to". For Christians, the feast of the Ascension refers to the elevation of Christ to heaven, which symbolizes eternal life. According to the Bible, the dead and resurrected Jesus rose forty days after Easter and disappeared before the eyes of the Apostles. This feast, initiated by Pope Leo I the Great, has been celebrated since the fourth century.

But then, since when is Ascension Thursday a public holiday in France? It dates back to theAncien Régime, when Christian holidays were the rhythm of French life.

Note thatAscension Day is celebrated in many other European countries, except in Spain, Portugal and Greece.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 18th, 2023

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