Ascension Day in Romania

Ascension Day (Înălțarea) in Romania, which is 39 days after Easter Sunday, celebrates Christians’ belief of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. It is also Heroes' Commemoration Day (Ziua Eroilor), a time to remember and honor the many Romanians who fought for their country over the years.

Many churches hold special services for Ascension Day/Heroes' Commemoration Day in Romania.

©iStockphoto.com/Slobo Mitic

What do people do?

Some people practice an old Ascension Day tradition by cracking a red colored egg against someone else’s egg and announcing, “Christ has risen”. It is also a day to commemorate local and national heroes: people who fought for peace and freedom in Romania. Many churches in Romania hold special services to remember Jesus’ ascension into heaven, as told in the Christian bible, and Romanian heroes who defended their country.  

Public life

Ascension Day is an observance and not a public holiday in Romania.

Background

Ascension Day is celebrated in Romania and in many different countries worldwide. According to the Christian bible, Jesus was resurrected on Easter Sunday, and remained with his apostles until the 40th day.

In 1990 the Romanian Ministry of National Defence reintroduced Romanian military traditions in the army. Heroes' Commemoration Day, also known as Heroes’ Day, was to be celebrated on Ascension Day. A law to proclaim Heroes' Day was set in 1995.

Symbols

The act of laying wreaths for the dead dates back to Ancient Greece, according to some sources. It was meant to represent eternal life. In Romania wreaths are laid at monuments dedicated to national heroes on Ascension Day/Heroes' Commemoration Day. This symbolizes one’s respect and honor for those who fought for Romania.

About Ascension Day in other countries

Ascension Day Observances

Other holidays in June 2013 in Romania

• Children's Day ―Saturday, June 1, 2013
• Orthodox Pentecost ―Sunday, June 23, 2013
• Orthodox Pentecost Monday ―Monday, June 24, 2013
• Flag Day ―Wednesday, June 26, 2013