November 10 is the birthday of Martin Luther, born in Eisleben, Saxony, in what is now Germany (1483). He was a theologian, a prolific writer, and a religious reformer that sparked the Protestant Reformation.
He was also a devoted husband who once wrote: “There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.” Luther met Katharina von Bora in 1523, when she came under his protection in Wittenberg. She was a former nun who had escaped her Cistercian cloister by hiding in a grocer’s covered wagon. The Reformation was in its infancy, and people were still shocked when former nuns, monks, and priests got married. Many of Luther’s friends were scandalized when he told them he was thinking of marrying von Bora, but eventually he decided that his marriage would “please his father, rile the pope, cause the angels to laugh and the devil to weep.”
The newlyweds moved into a former monastery that was called “the Black Cloister.” Kate had the building painted white, and remodeled it to allow for more spacious rooms. She also took over the family finances. Luther made a relatively modest income, so she helped out by brewing beer and raising cows, chickens, geese, pigs, and bees. To supplement their income, she took in boarders. She also saw to it that Luther took care of himself, making sure he ate regularly and dressed properly.
Together they had six children of their own, and also at one point took in Luther’s six nephews and nieces. By all accounts, their home was a lively and happy place. They played lawn bowling together, made music and sang, and often hosted Luther’s students and colleagues for dinner.
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