Loving Those Long Danish Holidays? You're in for a Treat With Ascension Day! 🇩🇰
Anticipate short duration till next Danish national holiday announcement.
If you thought the extended Danish Easter break was a blast, grab your brollies, 'cause another splendid occasion's comin' your way! Yup, we're talkin' 'bout the old Ascension Day!
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Sure, you might be hankering for a rewind to the beginning of last week during these post-Easter blues. But cheer up! You don't have to wait too long for another glorious public holiday and the chance for a fantastic long weekend!
Although the government tapped out one of Denmark's spring holidays back in 2023 by nixing Store Bededag, or 'Great Prayer Day', that doesn't mean you've got to feel blue. 'Cause Thursday, May 29th is here, and that marks the Christian feast of Kristi Himmelfart or Ascension Day in English. It's a fête national!
Kristi Himmelfart is all about the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It's one of the oldest religious holidays in the annals of history and holds a special place in the Christian calendar. According to the Church of Denmark, Christ's ascension marked the end of Jesus' time on earth. After the Resurrection, God had to leave Earth as a man to return as the Holy Spirit at Pentecost[1].
Now, don't be all "Huh, what?" It's a divine event, you unbeliever! Ascension Day has been celebrated in Denmark since at least the fourth century. It's a holiday in several European countries, like Denmark's pals Sweden, Norway, and Germany, but not the UK, Spain, or Italy[4]. So Danes, we're the lucky ones!
Churches across Denmark commemorate this occasion with traditional Ascension Day services, which often feature the hymn "Come, you dear-bought souls" by N. F. S. Grundtvig[3]. However, most folks let loose a sigh of relief and enjoy the well-deserved day off. After all, who doesn't love some all-you-can-relax time, right?
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Not everything's a walk in the park, even for Danes. But that's a whole 'nother tale! You know what they say, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Danish traditions like Ascension Day help balance things out, reminding us to take a few breaks, breathe the fresh spring air, and just be. Sohere's to more fun-filled holiday celebrations!
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See Also
- What's open and what's closed in Denmark during Ascension Day 2025
- What proportion of foreign nationals stay in Denmark for the long term
- Orlov: Can you take unpaid leave from your job in Denmark
- Danish parliament votes through 'unfair' hike to citizenship fee
[1] In house Enrichment[2] In house Enrichment[3] In house Enrichment[4] In house Enrichment
- With Ascension Day approaching on May 29th, art enthusiasts might find inspiration in the unique Danish art scene, as citizens enjoy a national holiday to embrace their lifestyle and recharge at home.
- In addition to traditional church services, news outlets may cover home-and-garden DIY projects for citizens taking advantage of this long weekend, ensuring that the Danish spirit of design shines brightly.
- For those questioning the importance of this Christian holiday, ascension literally represents the culmination of Jesus' earthly life, marking the end of his physical presence and the start of his role as the Holy Spirit.
- As Denmark's pals in Sweden, Norway, and Germany also celebrate Ascension Day, citizens can connect with their European counterparts, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared traditions across borders.
- While Denmark may have lost one of its spring holidays in 2023, it's essential to remember that citizenship isn't solely about dates on the calendar; it encompasses shared values, traditions, and embracing life's biggest moments, such as Ascension Day.
