31/10/2022
WHY DID LUTHER CHOOSE HALLOWEEN?
It is no accident that the great reformer chose October 31 to post his 95 objections in 1517.
The origin of Halloween dates back to a pagan harvest Celtic festival known as Samhain. This festival was adopted by the Romans and later the Catholics who ultimately renamed November 1 as “All Saints Day” in honor of the deceased Saints.
Luther’s main concern was the sale of indulgences. He knew on this occasion great crowds, including the educated classes, would be coming to the church to view the “relics” of the saints, another practice he protested. All Saints' Day, was also called All-Hallows Day— and of course the night before was considered All-Hallows Eve, the precursor of the word Halloween.
The church doors of Wittenberg were something of a public bulletin board. Luther knew thousands of pilgrims would see his theses which he hoped would spark study and reform among religious leaders.
It worked better than he expected. Great marketing.
So, happy Reformation Day!
