Reformation Day: Time for personal changes and new paths!

Reformation Day: Time for personal changes and new paths!

Today, October 31, 2025, we celebrate not only Reformation Day, but also the profound changes that this day symbolizes. Reformation Day commemorates the courageous act of Martin Luther, who posted his 95 theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg in 1517. These theses, which denounced the abuses within the church, were not just an academic debate about indulgences and penance, but set in motion a wave of religious unrest and ultimately a split in the Christian church. Luther's writings spread quickly, aided by the new-fangled printing press, which meant his message reached far beyond the walls of the church and reached many people.

In her article NDR, columnist Lena Bodewein takes up the idea that October 31st is also an excellent occasion to consider personal reforms. It encourages you to rethink old habits and take new paths. This is particularly fitting on the eve of All Saints' Day, when many people pause and reflect, as well as Dia de los Muertos in Mexico, which is celebrated on November 1st to remember the deceased.

A holiday with history

Reformation Day was established as a public holiday for all Protestants in 1667 by Elector John George II of Saxony. Originally, October 31st was the day on which many people* commemorated the events of 1517, and over time this day developed into a significant holiday celebrated in several federal states such as Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia. The special significance of Reformation Day became particularly noticeable on the 500th anniversary in 2017, when it was celebrated as a pan-German holiday.

However, it turns out that the festival is not equally popular in all regions. Critics, such as the Central Council of Jews in Germany, express concerns about the holiday's contemporary relevance, especially given the schism within the church. According to them, the holiday evokes memories of conflicts that no longer seem appealing today.Wikipedia

The celebrations and their diversity

Although Reformation Day is not a public holiday in Austria, Protestant students are allowed to take time off from school to celebrate this day. Reformation Day is also recognized as an official holiday in other countries such as Slovenia and Chile, showing how far-reaching the impact of Luther's teachings were.

Today, Reformation Day is an occasion in many Protestant communities to hold church services, which are often characterized by ecumenical dialogue. More and more churches are using the opportunity to talk about reconciliation and unity. Reformation Day is not only a retrospective commemoration, but also an invitation to actively think about your own life and dare to make changes - a topic that Lena Bodewein impressively takes up when she cites baking as a simple example of reforms in everyday life.