Reformation Day
2028Tuesday, October 31
Quick Facts
- Date
- Tuesday, October 31, 2028
- Observed in
- Austria, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Chile +18 more
- Type
- Christian Holiday
What is Reformation Day?
Reformation Day is a Protestant Christian holiday celebrated on October 31st, commemorating the start of the Protestant Reformation. On this day in 1517, Martin Luther is said to have posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, challenging the Catholic Church's practices.
This act of defiance sparked a religious revolution that transformed Christianity and shaped the modern world. Reformation Day is a public holiday in several German states and is observed by Lutheran and Protestant churches worldwide.
The holiday celebrates the principles of the Reformation: salvation by grace through faith alone (sola fide), the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura), and the priesthood of all believers.
When is Reformation Day 2028?
Reformation Day is on Tuesday, October 31 in 2028. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk and theology professor, reportedly nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church (Schlosskirche) in Wittenberg. The theses criticized the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences - payments that supposedly reduced punishment for sins.
Luther's primary concern was the teaching that salvation could be purchased. His famous phrase "Here I stand, I can do no other" came during the Diet of Worms in 1521, where he refused to recant his writings.
The printing press, recently invented by Johannes Gutenberg, spread Luther's ideas rapidly across Europe. Within months, the 95 Theses were translated and distributed throughout the German states and beyond.
The Reformation led to the establishment of Protestant denominations including Lutheran, Reformed, and later Methodist, Baptist, and other churches. It fundamentally changed European society, politics, education, and culture.
How It's Celebrated
Church Services: Protestant churches hold special services focusing on Reformation themes, featuring hymns like "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" (Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott) written by Luther himself.
Lectures and Educational Events: Universities and churches organize lectures on Reformation history and theology.
Wittenberg Celebrations: The town of Wittenberg, Germany hosts the largest celebrations, including reenactments, concerts, and ceremonies at the Castle Church.
Reading of the 95 Theses: Some congregations read Luther's 95 Theses during worship services.
Confirmation Classes: Many Lutheran churches use Reformation Day for special confirmation instruction.
Community Festivals: In German states where it's a public holiday, town festivals often accompany the religious observances.
Ecumenical Dialogues: Some churches use this day for discussions on Protestant-Catholic relations and Christian unity.
Where It's Observed
Reformation Day is a public holiday in 2 countries. In 2028, it falls on Tuesday, October 31.
Fun Facts
- The door of the Castle Church where Luther allegedly posted his theses burned down in 1760 and was replaced with a bronze door inscribed with the 95 Theses
- Luther translated the entire Bible into German, helping standardize the German language
- Luther composed over 30 hymns, including A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, still sung today
- The term Protestant comes from Latin protestari, meaning to declare publicly, from a 1529 protest by German princes
- Luther married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, and they had six children
- Some historians debate whether Luther actually nailed his theses to the door or simply sent them by letter
- The Reformation led to widespread literacy as Protestants emphasized reading the Bible
- Luther drank beer regularly and even wrote, Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Reformation Day on October 31?
October 31, 1517 is the date Martin Luther is traditionally believed to have posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This act is considered the starting point of the Protestant Reformation, though the actual date is debated by some historians.
Where is Reformation Day a public holiday?
Reformation Day is a public holiday in nine German states: Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia. It is also a public holiday in Slovenia and Chile, and is observed (but not a public holiday) in other Protestant countries.
What were the 95 Theses about?
The 95 Theses criticized the Catholic Church's sale of indulgences - payments that supposedly reduced punishment for sins. Luther argued that salvation cannot be purchased and comes through faith alone. The theses challenged papal authority and sparked debate across Europe.
What is the connection between Reformation Day and Halloween?
Both fall on October 31, but they are unrelated. Halloween evolved from the Celtic festival of Samhain and All Hallows Eve. Some Protestant churches have promoted Reformation Day as an alternative focus, though many people celebrate both holidays separately.
How do Protestant churches celebrate Reformation Day?
Churches hold special services featuring Reformation hymns like A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, sermons on Reformation themes, and sometimes readings of the 95 Theses. Educational events, lectures, and community gatherings are also common.
Why is Martin Luther important?
Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation, which split Western Christianity and led to the creation of Protestant denominations. His translation of the Bible into German made Scripture accessible to ordinary people and helped standardize the German language. His theological ideas about salvation by faith alone continue to define Protestant Christianity.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around Reformation Day? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
