B, posterior end of male.
Ascension-day, or HOLY THURSDAY, one of the great festivals of the church, held on the fortieth day after Easter, to commemorate the ascension of Christ into heaven. Its institution dates from the 4th century. The Church of England appoints special psalms for it, and particularly recommends it as a fitting day for the receiving of the communion. Connected with the religious observances of the day were certain civic ones, which in some parts of England and Scotland are continued to this day—viz. beating the bounds, or riding the marches, though their religious connection is apparently forgotten. See ROGATION DAYS, and BOUNDS (BEATING THE).