Ascension Day, or Holy Thursday, is a festival observed by the Church of England in commemoration of the glorious ascension of the Messiah into heaven, "triumphing over the devil, and leading captivity captive; opening the kingdom of heaven to all believers". It occurs forty days after Easter Sunday, such being the number of days which. the Saviour passed on earth after his resurrection and the day that he took his final farewell of everyone. The observance is thought to be one of the very earliest in the church, as early as the year 68. Where I used to live in the Peak District there is much celebration in many villages by way of Well Dressing (with flowers) and it is well worth a look if you are near that area.