Since 1992, Slovenia has designated Reformation Day as a municipal holiday. Despite the fact that Slovenia is largely Roman Catholic, Slovenians regard the Reformation as a watershed period in their cultural history, notably in terms of political reform and literature.
In 1550, Primož Trubar, a Protestant priest, wrote the first two publications in Slovene: Abecedarium and Catechismus. These works contributed to Slovenes’ national consciousness.
History
Reformation Day is celebrated on October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther (1483–1546), a German monk, stepped up to Wittenburg’s church and nailed his 95 ‘theses’ (or proposals) to the church door. Luther chose this date because he knew the church would be full the following day, All Saints Day.
Luther posted his theses to highlight the Roman Catholic Church’s practice of indulgences, which permitted affluent individuals to purchase absolution for various sins. He felt that expressing his objections would spark a bigger debate and strengthen public opposition to this behavior.
However, his ideas swiftly acquired popular support and expanded throughout Western Europe, boosted by the newly invented printing press. This triggered the religious uprising known as the Reformation. Many Christians left the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation and formed new, independent churches, including the Lutheran Church.
This key deed resulted in the development of various Protestant churches because they trace their theological heritage back to the Catholic Church’s “protestation.” According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 37% of Christians worldwide identified as Protestant in 2010.
The Germanic region initially marked Reformation Day in the seventeenth century. From 1949 until 1967, East Germany celebrated Reformation Day as a national holiday.
FAQ
When is Reformation Day?
Except for Chile, where it may fall on a Friday depending on the day of the week, people always observe this public holiday on October 31st.
Is Reformation Day a Public Holiday?
Reformation Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general public, with schools and most businesses closed.
