Germans Observe Ascension Day, Men’s Day

Why this is here: The “Berliner Herrenpartie” began in the late 1800s, with groups of men traveling to the countryside with beer and singing.

In Germany, people attended church services and other religious events to observe Christi Himmelfahrt, or Ascension Day. Many also celebrated Men’s Day, traditionally marked by outings with drinks and barbecues. Hundreds protested against violence toward women in Berlin and Hamburg during the celebrations.

Theologian Wolfgang Reinbold of Göttingen explains the convergence of Men’s Day and Ascension Day stems from older traditions. These involved Christian processions moving outdoors and through towns. The idea for a Men’s Day, Reinbold notes, arose from a desire to mirror the recognition given to mothers.

The “Berliner Herrenpartie,” a late 19th-century custom of men traveling to the countryside with beer and songs, likely spread from Berlin across Germany. Reinbold points out that customs evolve and can diverge significantly from their original meaning, citing examples like Carnival and Easter traditions. The origins of these celebrations remain complex and subject to ongoing change.