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October 31st … A date that is well known throughout Germany. Not only because it is a national holiday but due to the man and his great accomplishments behind it: Martin Luther and the Reformation!
In 1508, a monk arrived at Wittenberg, remained in the city till 1517 and left his mark this very year on October 31st by putting up his 95 theses at the doors of the Castle Church. Martin Luther and the Reformation had a great impact on believers and people in Germany as well as the entire world. In order to celebrate his achievement, a decade of festivities was announced starting in 2008. Each year follows a different theme, giving cities and communities the chance to present themselves and their connection to the Reformer and his work.
Detailed exhibitions, talks, church services and more focus on authorities and responsibility, freedom of conscience and human rights, faith and power. All of which were important subjects even during Luther’s time and first addressed and questioned by him in his theses´, casting an unfavorable light on the catholic church.
In honor of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Lucas Cranach the Younger the Luther Decade will focas "Image and Bible" in 2015. Both he and his father, Lucas Cranach the Elder, were known as big supporters of the Reformation and gave life to many pieces and art works with reformatory thinking in their workshop. Cranach the Elder was a good friend to Luther and illustrated, amongst other things, Luther´s bible published in 1522. Thanks to the glorious art work the Reformation and its beliefs spread even faster among the population.
Special exhibitions in 2015:
26/06/2015-01/11/2015: "Lucas Cranach the Younger – Discovery of a Master", Augusteum, Wittenberg
26/06/2015-01/11/2015: "Cranach Church", Town Church St. Marien, Wittenberg
26/06/2015-01/11/2015: "Pop-Up Cranach", Cranach House, Wittenberg
01/01/2015-31/12/2015: "CranachCity“ Wittenberg
26/06/2015-15/11/2015: "Cranach in the Gothic House", Gothic House, Wörlitz
29/05/2015-19/07/2015: "Image and Message – Cranach at the Service of the Court and Reformation", Castle Museum, Gotha
A first preview to 2016 expresses a focus on the global spread of Protestants and the Reformation in a united world. Ever since 1517, Luther´s thoughts converted approximately 400 million of Christians all over the world. In 2016 the attention will be on the global power of the Reformation's influence.
The Luther Decade will finally culminate in 2017. Celebrations will be held all over the world with conferences, exhibitions, festivals and more cultural events which are open to everyone. A special invitation has been extended to Pope Franziskus to join the festivities of the Anniversary of the Reformation.
Further details regarding events, exhibitions and dates will be provided after their publication.
Here you can find out cultural tour following the footsteps of Martin Luther in Wittenberg or in Eisenach.
Credits:
Wartburg in Eisenach © DZT Christof Herdt
Door of the Castle Church in Lutherstadt Wittenberg © Bader Michael Investitions und Marketinggesellschaft Sachsen Anhalt mbH