The Feast of the Ascension: Why It Matters and How Christians Have Celebrated It for Centuries
Ascension Day, observed forty days after Easter, commemorates Jesus’ bodily ascent into heaven and marks the theological bridge between the resurrection and Pentecost. The feast celebrates Christ’s triumph, coronation at the Father’s right hand, and his ongoing intercession for believers. Traditions vary worldwide, from England’s “Beating the Bounds” to Portugal’s wheat‑ear rituals and German bird‑shaped pastries. Churches often shift the holiday to Sunday to increase participation and community engagement.
Eating with the Seasons of the Church
The article explains how historic Christian feast‑day meals were rooted in the seasonal crops available to each region, such as watermelon for St. Bartholomew in August or wheat berries for St. Lucy in December. Before refrigeration, believers ate what the...
Maundy Thursday: Meaning, Traditions, and How to Observe This Holy Night
Maundy Thursday marks the start of the Easter Triduum, recalling the Last Supper, Jesus’ foot‑washing, and the institution of the Eucharist. The liturgy combines a foot‑washing ceremony, Holy Communion, and the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to an Altar of...