Ascension Day
Historical Context
Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday, 39 days after Easter. It is a recognised holiday.
Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, forty days after his resurrection. The day has been celebrated since the fourth century and always falls on a Thursday. In the Middle Ages, Ascension Day was celebrated with processions in many Dutch cities, during which a statue of Christ was symbolically hoisted upward in the church. Today, the religious character has faded into the background for most Dutch people.
Many Dutch people take the Friday after Ascension Day off to create a four-day weekend, making it one of the most popular bridge days of the year. Dauwtrappen is an old Dutch tradition on Ascension Day: heading out before sunrise to walk through the wet grass, preferably barefoot. The tradition is most alive in the east and north of the country, often organised by local walking clubs. The day is also popular for cycling trips, terrace visits, and outings to nature reserves.
Regional Traditions
Ameland (Wadden Islands)
The ancient dauwtrappen (dew-treading) tradition is very much alive here. Ameland organises a dawn walk from Herenwegkerk at 08:30. The morning dew is believed to have healing properties.
Noord-Brabant
In several villages, a music corps marches through the streets at 6 AM on Ascension morning, waking residents with brass instruments. A unique regional dawn celebration.
Eastern Netherlands
Dauwtrappen has deep roots across Twente, Salland, and the Achterhoek. Communities organise group walks through meadows at sunrise. The tradition may have pre-Christian Germanic origins.