A red letter day is a day that is special, happy, pleasant, etc.; a day that is remembered fondly; a pleasurable or significant special occasion.
This idiom can be used to describe any day that one remembers as being particularly happy or pleasant or any day that is a special occasion. Although the expression is usually reserved for happy events, it is sometimes used to refer to any significant event, especially one with historical impact.
Sometimes spelled red-letter day.
Origin of “Red Letter Day”
This idiom comes from the practice, in the medieval period, of marking special days, such as religious festivals, holidays, or saints’ days, in red ink on ecclesiastical church calendars, while all other days were marked in black. This practice was first approved by the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Later, judges on the Queen’s Bench wore special red robes on red-letter days.
Sentence Examples
“The last day of school before summer vacation is a red-letter day for the students.”
“When I am able to quit my job and become a professional writer, that will be a red-letter day.”
Similar and Related Idioms
- Gala Day: A day of public festivity, celebration, or special entertainment.
- Banner Day: A particularly good, successful, or memorable day.
- Have a Field Day: to take full advantage of a situation to enjoy oneself without restriction
- One for the Books: A remarkable, extraordinary, or noteworthy event worth recording or remembering.
- Turning Point: A decisive moment or event that brings about a critical change in direction or fortune.
- Landmark Event: A major, highly significant milestone or historical occurrence that marks a new stage.
- High-water Mark: The point of peak success, achievement, or prosperity during a given period.