Ascension - IndonesianPod101

Ascension

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in Indonesia, Lesson 10 - Ascension

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Indonesia Series at IndonesianPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Indonesian holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 10, Ascension. In Indonesian, it’s called Kenaikan Isa Almasih.

Celebrated forty days after Easter, Ascension Day is one of the most important days of the Christian tradition. According to the New Testament, on the fortieth day after the resurrection, Jesus brought his disciples to the Mount of Olives to see Him rise to heaven.

In this lesson, we will discuss the commemoration that is held by Christians in Indonesia.

Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

What activities are often conducted by Sunday school students on Ascension Day?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. So, keep listening.

One common tradition performed by Christians on this day is visiting the cemetery, or Taman Pemakaman Umum in Indonesian. From dawn, public cemeteries are crowded with people visiting their deceased family members’ graves. This opportunity is used to pray for the family members' spirit, or in Indonesian arwah, with the hope that they go to heaven, just like Christ. After praying, they adorn the graves in beautiful flowers out of respect for their family.

On that day, Christians attend mass, or in Indonesian misa, in their local church. Church groups, such as youth groups and Sunday school students, often use this holiday to hold social activities colored by the spirit of the Ascension.

Ascension Day is commonly referred to as “the Ascension Day of Jesus Christ” among Christians. Isa Almasih is the title given to Jesus Christ in the Quran, as Isa is Jesus and Masih means Messiah in Arabic.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

What activities are often conducted by Sunday school students on Ascension Day?

Usually, Sunday school students attend a service in their classrooms. In welcoming the Ascension of Jesus Christ, they conduct the service on a hilly area to appreciate the event of the ascension of Jesus into heaven. This is accomplished by releasing balloons from the top of the hill, allowing children to visualize Jesus’ ascension.