Ascension of the Lord on May 21: why the soul is commemorated for 40 days

      May 20, 2026 16:00 Society Orthodox believers will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord on May 21, one of the most significant holidays in the church calendar. It is dedicated to the remembrance of the event when Jesus Christ ascended to heaven on the fortieth day after Easter, opening the way to the Kingdom of Heaven for all believers. Solemn services are held in churches, and there are many traditions among the people associated with this day.

      Meaning of the holiday

      As writer and historian-religion scholar Nikolai Sapelkin told 360.ru, the Ascension of the Lord symbolizes the completion of Jesus Christ's earthly life and his transition to heavenly glory. For forty days after the Resurrection, Christ appeared to his disciples, instructing them and preparing them for the future spread of Christianity. On the fortieth day, he ascended to heaven, promising to return in the same form in which they saw him ascending.

      According to the Gospel of Luke, after the Ascension, two angels appeared to the apostles, reminding them of the imminent descent of the Holy Spirit. Ten days after the Ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, marking the beginning of the Christian Church.

      Symbolism and significance

      The Ascension is closely related to the Christian understanding of death and the afterlife of the soul. After death, a person's soul remains with loved ones for forty days, and then it goes to another world, where it awaits judgment. Therefore, in Orthodox tradition, for forty days after a person's death, his soul is commemorated.

      Sapelkin emphasized that the Ascension of the Lord also symbolizes the end of the Easter days and the beginning of a new church cycle, which concludes with the Feast of the Holy Trinity. This day is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter and is considered the birthday of the Church.

      Services

      On the Ascension of the Lord, clergymen wear white vestments, which they continue to wear for the next ten days, until the Feast of the Holy Trinity. Preparation for the holiday begins with an All-Night Vigil the evening before. On the morning of May 21, a festive liturgy of John Chrysostom is held, during which the troparion and kontakion dedicated to this event are read.

      The troparion of the Ascension glorifies Jesus Christ for his ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. The kontakion reveals the theological idea of triumph and spiritual ascent.

      Folk traditions

      On the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, many Orthodox believers strive to visit the church and participate in the service. However, it is not always possible to do so, especially if the holiday falls on a weekday.

      According to the religion scholar, it is important to start the day with prayer, and on the holiday itself, to strive to behave piously. This means avoiding quarrels and conflicts with those around you.

      Sapelkin advises not to "be sarcastic" and to try to resolve all disagreements peacefully. He emphasizes that the holiday should be remembered not only as a time of prayer but also as a manifestation of love and care for others.

      The holiday is accompanied by many folk customs and traditions. In ancient times, people visited each other, treated one another with pancakes and pies, and also gave to the poor. Housewives baked special cookies in the shape of ladders, symbolizing Jesus' path to heaven and the striving for a righteous life.

      In some regions, rituals with "ladders" were performed in the fields, believing that this would bring a rich harvest. The dough for the "ladders" was rolled out in the shape of a staircase, laying out crossbars as steps. Usually, there were seven of them—corresponding to the number of Heavens—or twelve, corresponding to the number of apostles and the main Christian virtues.

      Eating "ladders" with the whole family and sharing them with the poor and children symbolized the approach to God and the striving for righteousness.

      In Rus', the Ascension was perceived as the beginning of summer. Rain on this day foretold a good harvest and the absence of fires, while clear weather promised warmth until autumn. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.