Ascension Day and Father's Day: Why do the two holidays always coincide?

ABBREVIATIONS AND THEIR MEANINGS

May 9, 2024 at 7:00 a.m

As is well known, the holidays of Ascension Day and Father’s Day always take place on the same day. But why is that actually the case?

On Father's Day or Men's Day, people often toast with a beer. — On Father’s Day or Men’s Day, people often toast with a beer. (Source: Deklofenak/depositphotos.com)

Ascension Day, or Father’s Day, falls on May 9th this year.
While the Ascension of Christ can be traced back to Christ’s ascension to heaven, the origin of Father’s Day cannot be clearly proven.
The consumption of alcohol and tours among men are widespread on Father’s Day, especially in East Germany.

First of all, this is a German peculiarity. Although Father’s Day exists in many countries, it is celebrated on a different date. In many places it takes place on the third Sunday in June – for example in the USA, France, Great Britain or Hungary. In Germany, however, Father’s Day always takes place on the Thursday after the fifth Sunday after Easter or ten days before Pentecost. This year, Father’s Day 2024 falls on May 9th.

It cannot be clearly proven which tradition Father’s Day actually stems from. However, the name Father’s Day was already associated with the Ascension of Christ in the Middle Ages. However, it is not certain whether Father’s Day has its origins in Ascension Day. To this day, opinions differ as to where the custom has its roots.

A German specialty

The time period during which Christ’s ascension takes place is clearly taken from the New Testament. Ascension Day is 40 days after Easter because, according to the Bible, the resurrected Jesus Christ spoke to his disciples for 40 days before he ascended to heaven to be with his Father. The day therefore always falls on a Thursday and marks the most important return of a son to his father in Christianity.

While the meaning and history of Ascension Day existed centuries before, Ascension Day has only been a holiday in Germany since 1934. The Christian traditions of Ascension Day are now mainly maintained by believers. Among non-believers, the importance of Father’s Day has become more and more prominent.

Abbreviations in the quiz: What do MILF, IDK and Co mean?

What does “MILF” mean?

This tradition has its roots in 19th century Berlin, when trips to the countryside, also known as “ham tours”, were undertaken. Traditionally only men took part. Father’s Day is therefore often referred to as “Men’s Day” and is associated with the consumption of alcohol and tours among men. The custom is particularly popular in East Germany.