Ascension

Helatorstai - Holy ThursdayThe Christian holiday of Ascension (Finnish Helatorstai – Holy Thursday) is celebrated on the fortieth day after Easter in memory of the miraculous ascension of the Savior.

According to popular belief, on Holy Thursday everything freezes, even the grass grows more slowly. Earlier on this day they burned fires and prayed for a good harvest, the girls sang hymns. Now festive liturgies are held in all churches. Ascension in Finland is an official holiday.