Reformation Day commemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. It marks the day in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, is traditionally believed to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. The theses challenged certain practices and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences, and set in motion a movement that transformed Christianity and Western society.

Table of Contents

1. When is Reformation Day?
2. The History of Reformation Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about Martin Luther

When is Reformation Day?

Reformation Day is celebrated annually on October 31. The date coincided with All Hallows' Eve (Halloween), when many people visited the church to prepare for All Saints' Day (November 1). This timing ensured that Luther's theses would gain widespread attention.

The following is the list of Reformation Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Reformation Day

Reformation Day marks the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, a major religious, cultural, and political movement that reshaped Christianity in the 16th century.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther is traditionally believed to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in Germany. The theses were formal arguments against the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences, which were payments made to reduce punishment for sins. Luther's central concern was the misuse of indulgences and the belief that salvation could not be bought but was a free gift from God, granted by faith.

The invention of the printing press allowed Luther's 95 Theses to spread rapidly across Europe. His ideas resonated with many people dissatisfied with Church corruption and clerical abuses. Luther's actions inspired other reformers, who further shaped Protestant theology. The movement led to the establishment of new Christian denominations, including Lutheranism, Calvinism and later Anglicanism.

Reformation Day began as a commemoration in Lutheran communities during the 16th century, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia. The date served to highlight the importance of reforming the Church and upholding Biblical truths.

In 1617, the Elector of Saxony declared a formal celebration of the centennial of the Reformation, solidifying October 31 as a significant date in Protestant tradition. Over time, it became a public holiday in Protestant regions of Europe.

What Do People Do on This Day?

Reformation Day is observed with worship services, educational events, and community activities, particularly in countries and regions with a Protestant heritage.

Special worship services are held in churces, and pastors preach on themes central to the Reformation, such as Scripture alone, faith alone and grace alone. Hymns written by Martin Luther like "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" are sung to reflect the triumph of faith.

Some churches celebrate the Lord's Supper to emphasize the central role of grace and faith in Christian life. Reenactments of Martin Luther's nailing of the 95 Theses are popular in churches and schools.

Many congregations hold special Bible studies focusing on the key principles of the Reformation. In some areas, processions and parades celebrate the cultural and religious significance of the Reformation.

Inspired by the Reformation's emphasis on Christian service, some communities organize charitable activities, such as collecting donations for the poor, and volunteering at local shelters. Museums and cultural institutions host exhibitions on the Reformation's impact on religion, art, and politics.

More about Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German monk, theologian and reformer whose actions and teachings initiated the Protestant Reformation. He is one of the most influential figures in Western Christianity, known for his emphasis on salvation by faith alone (sola fide), the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura), and the priesthood of all believers. Luther's actions led to the creation of Protestantism, splitting Western Christianity into Catholic and Protestant branches.

Luther was born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleben, Germany to parents Hans and Margaretha Luther. His father was a miner who later became a mine owner. Luther's family was devoutly Catholic, and his father encouraged him to study law.

Luther studied at the University of Erfurt, earning a bachelor's and master's degree. He planned to become a lawyer but decided to join a monastery after a life-changing experience during a thunderstorm in 1505, where he vowed to become a monk if God spared his life.

Luther entered the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt in 1505, and ordained as a priest in 1507 and pursued theological studies at the University of Wittenberg, where he earned his doctorate in theology.

On October 31, 1517, Luther is traditionally believed to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. The theses were quickly disseminated across Europe due to the printing press. His ideas gained widespread support among those critical of corruption in the Catholic Church.

In 1520, Pope Leo X issued the bull Exsurge Domine, condemning Luther's teachings and threatening him with excommunication. Luther burned the papal bull, symbolizing his rejection of papal authority.

In 1521, he was formally excommunicated. In the same year, Luther appeared before the Diet of Worms, an assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, where he refused to recant his writings. After the Diet, Luther was protected by Prince Frederick the Wise of Saxony and hidden in Wartburg Castle. During his time there, he translated the New Testament into German, making the Scriptures accessible to ordinary people.

Luther continued to write and preach, shaping the theology of the emerging Lutheran Church. He redefined the sacraments, emphasizing Baptism and Holy Communion while rejecting others like confession and penance as necessary for salvation.

In 1525, Luther married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, and they had six children. Their marriage became a model for Protestant clergy and families. Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546, in Eisleben, his birthplace.