On May 9, Christians celebrate the Ascension, symbolizing Jesus' ascent to God. Le Monde explores the history and symbolism of one of Christianity's most important feasts.

Ascension is actually a holiday in quite a few European countries - Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and the Nordic countries get a day off, although Spain, Italy and the UK do not.

Certain parts of Switzerland also have a day off. But in Italy, a country known for being overwhelmingly Catholic, the date is not a public holiday and not really marked outside Mass. Why is this?

ASCENSION Day is an important date in the Christian calendar and is observed by many around the world. Here we take a look at the history of the day and how it is celebrated. What is Ascension… ...

The tradition of observing Ascension Day dates back centuries and was widely celebrated by the fourth century. Norway isn’t alone in designating the day as a public holiday, as Sweden, Germany, ...

Klämdag literally means “squeeze day” (klämma – to squeeze, and dag – day) and refers to the day that falls, or is squeezed, between a public holiday and a weekend.. Ascension, which Christians ...