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Germans observe a religious holiday Thursday. It’s “Christi Himmelfahrt,” or Ascension Day. The Bible says Christ’s ascent into heaven took place on the 40th day after Easter. That’s why it is always on a Thursday. First, Christians celebrated the fest together with Pentecost. Later, in the fourth century, it was observed as a holiday of its own.
Besides celebrating the church fest, Germans also recognize Father’s Day on Ascension Day.
For years, it was customary for men, young and old, fathers and non-fathers, to meet and have fun together. They went for long walks, and to quench their thirst, they took along a decorated hand-cart filled with beer cases or kegs. Partially, the origin of that day of men dates back to the German forefathers, who in spring walked through their land and fields and asked the gods for a fertile year. Afterward, they had a drink together.
Today, the holiday is an additional day when families can do something together. They go on bike trips, hikes or have barbecues.
Because Ascension Day is also an official holiday in Germany, several communities celebrate fests for the whole family.
The Gartenschau Kaiserslauten sponsors a Father’s Day fest with a bull riding contest, barbecue and musical performances. The band Die 2 starts playing at 11 a.m. and Tin Pan Alley play at 3 p.m. on the stage in Neumühlepark.
