{Download PDF} Walpurgisnacht

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

{Download PDF} Walpurgisnacht WALPURGISNACHT PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Gustav Meyrink,Mike Mitchell | 169 pages | 01 Jun 2011 | DEDALUS LTD | 9781907650178 | English | Cambs, United Kingdom Walpurgis night | Definition of Walpurgis night at Locals would therefore come together on April 30 to protect themselves from the witches. What had originally been a celebration of spring morphed into a desperate attempt to protect oneself from evil. Some of these activities still continue today in modern-day celebrations of Walpurgisnacht in Germany. This includes dressing up in costumes, hanging blessed sprigs of foliage from houses and leaving offerings of Ankenschnitt bread with butter and honey for phantom hounds. Ironically enough, the sprigs of foliage were originally hung by pagans as offerings to goddesses. As time went by, however, superstitious beliefs were gradually replaced by faith in science and knowledge, and hysteria about witchcraft began to die down. Walpurgisnacht might have died out completely were it not for the arrival of Romanticism in the 19th century. This prompted a revival of interest in ancient customs and folk beliefs, which were respun into works of literature and art. Rather than something to be feared, Walpurgis Night became a lighthearted celebration of fireworks, folk songs and dancing. The Brocken became a site of pilgrimage and the witch the source of titillating jitters. As Goethe put it in his famous poem, Faust:. So over the valley our company floats, With witches a-farting on stinking old goats. Some traditions from the medieval period still remain, such as hanging sprigs of greenery and leaving out Ankenschnitt for the hounds. There are also some new traditions, including the lighting of fireworks and singing of folk songs. When the flames have subsided, the corn jump takes place, which sees lovers jump over the fire together. The festivities are accompanied by plenty of beer and traditional German food. Home Lifestyle Lifestyle Articles. Lifestyle Articles. Walpurgisnacht: The German Night of the Witches explained 0. They would light huge bonfires in hopes of scaring away evil spirits. But the name "Walpurgis" comes from a very different source. In the 8th Century, a woman named Valborg other iterations of the name include Walpurgis, Wealdburg and Valderburger founded the Catholic convent of Heidenheim in Wurtemburg, Germany. She herself later became a nun and was known for speaking out against witchcraft and sorcery. She was canonized a saint on May 1, Although not widely known in the US, this May-Eve night shares many of the traditions of Halloween and is, in fact, directly opposite Halloween on the calendar. According to the ancient legends, this night was the last chance for witches and their nefarious cohorts to stir up trouble before Spring reawakened the land. They were said to congregate on Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains -- a tradition that comes from Goethe's Faust. In the story, the demon Mephistopheles brings Faust to Brocken to consort with the coven of witches:. To ward off the witches' evil, the citizenry would burn bonfires, sprinkle holy water and adorn their homes with talismans of blessed palm leaf. One of the best ways to keep evil at bay, they thought, was through noise. This is an idea that probably dates back to early man. On Walpurgis Night, the citizens would ring bells, bang drums, crack whips and beat blanks of wood onto the ground. As technology advanced, they would shoot firearms into the air. Walpurgis Night even features its own version of Trick or Treat in some parts of Europe, especially Germany. In Bavaria, for example, where the celebration is known as a Freinacht or Drudennacht, the young might roam the neighborhoods pulling mischievous pranks, such as wrapping cars in toilet paper and smearing doorknobs with toothpaste. In Thueringen, Germany, some of the little girls dress up as witches, wearing paper hats and carrying sticks. In Finland, where the holiday is called Vappu, the ordinarily reserved Finns run screaming through the streets wearing masks and carrying drinks. Walpurgisnacht, the Germanic Pagan Celebration The origins of the holiday date back to pagan celebrations of fertility rites and the coming of spring. After the Norse were Christianized, the pagan celebration became combined with the legend of St. Walburga , an English-born nun who lived at Heidenheim monastery in Germany and later became the abbess there. Walburga was believed to have cured the illnesses of many local residents. Walburga is traditionally associated with May 1 because of a medieval account of her being canonized upon the translation of her remains from their place of burial to a church circa Although it is likely that the date of her canonization is purely coincidental to the date of the pagan celebrations of spring, people were able to celebrate both events under church law without fear of reprisal. Walpurgis Night Article Additional Info. Print Cite. Facebook Twitter. Give Feedback External Websites. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article requires login. External Websites. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree See Article History. This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeff Wallenfeldt , Manager, Geography and History. Learn More in these related Britannica articles:. Sweden , country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. It's April 30 and it's Walpurgis Night. Like Halloween, Walpurgis has its roots in ancient pagan customs, superstitions and festivals. At this time of year, the Vikings participated in a ritual that they hoped would hasten the arrival of Spring weather and ensure fertility for their crops and livestock. They would light huge bonfires in hopes of scaring away evil spirits. But the name "Walpurgis" comes from a very different source. In the 8th Century, a woman named Valborg other iterations of the name include Walpurgis, Wealdburg and Valderburger founded the Catholic convent of Heidenheim in Wurtemburg, Germany. She herself later became a nun and was known for speaking out against witchcraft and sorcery. She was canonized a saint on May 1, Although not widely known in the US, this May-Eve night shares many of the traditions of Halloween and is, in fact, directly opposite Halloween on the calendar. According to the ancient legends, this night was the last chance for witches and their nefarious cohorts to stir up trouble before Spring reawakened the land. They were said to congregate on Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains -- a tradition that comes from Goethe's Faust. In the story, the demon Mephistopheles brings Faust to Brocken to consort with the coven of witches:. To ward off the witches' evil, the citizenry would burn bonfires, sprinkle holy water and adorn their homes with talismans of blessed palm leaf. One of the best ways to keep evil at bay, they thought, was through noise. This is an idea that probably dates back to early man. On Walpurgis Night, the citizens would ring bells, bang drums, crack whips and beat blanks of wood onto the ground. As technology advanced, they would shoot firearms into the air. Walpurgis Night even features its own version of Trick or Treat in some parts of Europe, especially Germany. Walpurgis Night The Other Halloween She became a member of the community at the Wimborne Abbey, Dorset, and was later summoned by Winebald, her brother, to serve as abbess at his double monastery of monks and nuns at Heidenheim, in modern day Germany. She died in AD and was buried in Heidenheim. As this occurred on May 1st , this date has become associated with the saint. Saint Walpurga. Public Domain. Instead, the origins of this festival may be found in the period before the arrival of Christianity in northern Europe. As the festival falls during the period when spring arrived, the pagans conducted rituals to welcome spring and ensure the fertility of the land. For some reason, Walpurgis Night is also associated with witches. In German folklore, for instance, it is said that witches from all over the land would gather for a great sabbath on top of the Brocken also known as the Blocksberg , the highest peak of the Harz mountain range. Lewis Morrison as "Mephistopheles" in Faust! Poster for a theatrical performance of Goethe's play showing Mephistopheles conjuring supernatural creatures on the German mountain, the Brocken or Blocksberg , which according to the tale is the scenery for the Walpurgis night, from 30 April to 1 May. In line with the belief that Walpurgis Night was a night when witches and other evil entities were roaming freely around the land, certain practices were developed to keep them at bay. Thus, in Germany, on Walpurgis Night, people would dress up in costumes, and make loud noises. Another typical activity carried out on Walpurgis Night is the lighting of bonfires, which, according to one tradition, was also a means of warding off witches. Another tradition states that the lighting of bonfires dates back to pre-Christian times. During that period, the pagan Germans would leave their livestock to graze around the spring equinox. In order to scare away wild animals, they would light bonfires, dance around them, and make much noise. When Christianity arrived, the bishops found that these activities were a little too pagan. Instead of banning it, however, the bishops decided to shift it to Walpurgis Night, so that it could be associated with the Christian saint. A Walpurgis Night bonfire. Saint Walpurga was never associated with Scandinavia and Walpurgis Night originated in Germany, where she served as abbess for about half her life.
Recommended publications
  • The Synagogue of Satan
    THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN BY MAXIMILIAN J. RUDWIN THE Synagogue of Satan is of greater antiquity and potency than the Church of God. The fear of a mahgn being was earher in operation and more powerful in its appeal among primitive peoples than the love of a benign being. Fear, it should be re- membered, was the first incentive of religious worship. Propitiation of harmful powers was the first phase of all sacrificial rites. This is perhaps the meaning of the old Gnostic tradition that when Solomon was summoned from his tomb and asked, "Who first named the name of God?" he answered, "The Devil." Furthermore, every religion that preceded Christianity was a form of devil-worship in the eyes of the new faith. The early Christians actually believed that all pagans were devil-worshippers inasmuch as all pagan gods were in Christian eyes disguised demons who caused themselves to be adored under different names in dif- ferent countries. It was believed that the spirits of hell took the form of idols, working through them, as St. Thomas Aquinas said, certain marvels w'hich excited the wonder and admiration of their worshippers (Siiinina theologica n.ii.94). This viewpoint was not confined to the Christians. It has ever been a custom among men to send to the Devil all who do not belong to their own particular caste, class or cult. Each nation or religion has always claimed the Deity for itself and assigned the Devil to other nations and religions. Zoroaster described alien M^orshippers as children of the Divas, which, in biblical parlance, is equivalent to sons of Belial.
    [Show full text]
  • The Satanic Bible Anton Szandor Lavey
    Called “The Black Pope” by many of his followers, Anton LaVey began the road to High Priesthood of the Church of Satan when he was only 16 years old and an organ player in a carnival: “On Saturday night I would see men lusting after half‐naked girls dancing at the carnival, and on Sunday morning when I was playing the organ for tent‐show evangelists at the other end of the carnival lot, I would see these same men sitting in the pews with their wives and children, asking God to forgive them and purge them of carnal desires. And the next Saturday night they’d be back at the carnival or some other place of indulgence. “I knew then that the Christian Church thrives on hypocrisy, and that man’s carnal nature will out!” From that time early in his life his path was clear. Finally, on the last night of April, 1966– Walpurgisnacht, the most important festival of the believers in witchcraft–LaVey shaved his head in the tradition of ancient executioners and announced the formation of The Church Of Satan. He had seen the need for a church that would recapture man’s body and his carnal desires as objects of celebration. “Since worship of fleshly things produces pleasure,” he said, “there would then be a temple of glorious indulgence. .” The Satanic Bible Anton Szandor LaVey For Diane Dedications To: Bernadino Logara, who knew the value of money Karl Haushofer, a teacher without a classroom Rasputin, who knew the magic of a child Sir Basil Zaharoff, a gentleman Cagliostro, a rogue Barnabas Saul, the link with Mount Lalesh Ragnar Redbeard, whose might is right William Mortensen, who looked .
    [Show full text]
  • 7 Questions for Harri Wessman Dante Anarca
    nHIGHLIGHTS o r d i c 3/2016 n EWSLETTE r F r o M G E H r MA n S M U S i KFÖ r L A G & F E n n i c A G E H r MA n 7 questions for Harri Wessman dante Anarca NEWS Rautavaara in memoriam Colourstrings licensed in China Fennica Gehrman has signed an agreement with the lead- Einojuhani Rautavaara died in Helsinki on 27 July at the age ing Chinese publisher, the People’s Music Publishing of 87. One of the most highly regarded and inter nationally House, on the licensing of the teaching material for the best-known Finnish com posers, he wrote eight symp- Colourstrings violin method in China. The agreement honies, vocal and choral works, chamber and instrumen- covers a long and extensive partnership over publication of tal music as well as numerous concertos, orchestral works the material and also includes plans for teacher training in and operas, the last of which was Rasputin (2001–03). China. The Colourstrings method developed byGéza and Rautavaara’s international breakthrough came with his Csaba Szilvay has spread far and wide in the world and 7th symphony, Angel of Light (1994) , when keen crit- is regarded as a first-class teaching method for stringed ics likened him to Sibelius. His best-beloved orchestral instruments. work is the Cantus arcticus for birds and orchestra, for which he personally recorded the sounds of the birds. Apart from being an acclaimed composer, Rautavaara had a fine intellect, was a mystical storyteller and had a masterly command of words.
    [Show full text]
  • Volk, Devils and Moral Panics in White South Africa, 1976 - 1993
    The Devil’s Children: Volk, Devils and Moral Panics in White South Africa, 1976 - 1993 by Danielle Dunbar Thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts (History) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University Supervisor: Prof Sandra Swart Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences March 2012 Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za DECLARATION By submitting this thesis/dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the sole author thereof (save to the extent explicitly otherwise stated), that reproduction and publication thereof by Stellenbosch University will not infringe any third party rights and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification. March 2012 Copyright © 2012 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved i Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za ABSTRACT There are moments in history where the threat of Satanism and the Devil have been prompted by, and in turn stimulated, social anxiety. This thesis considers particular moments of ‘satanic panic’ in South Africa as moral panics during which social boundaries were challenged, patrolled and renegotiated through public debate in the media. While the decade of the 1980s was marked by successive states of emergency and the deterioration of apartheid, it began and ended with widespread alarm that Satan was making a bid for the control of white South Africa. Half-truths, rumour and fantasy mobilised by interest groups fuelled public uproar over the satanic menace – a threat deemed the enemy of white South Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • PT 06-10 Tax Type: Property Tax Issue: Religious Ownership/Use
    PT 06-10 Tax Type: Property Tax Issue: Religious Ownership/Use STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS ROSE MINISTRIES Applicant A.H. Docket # 05-PT-0009 Docket # 04-57-26 v. Parcel Index # 15-30-129-013 THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS RECOMMENDATION FOR DISPOSITION Appearances: Mr. Kent Steinkamp, Special Assistant Attorney General for the Illinois Department of Revenue Synopsis: The hearing in this matter was held to determine whether McLean County Parcel Index No. 15-30-129-130 qualified for exemption during the 2004 assessment year. Jaymes Williams, Bishop of the Blessed Church of Brigid a subdivision of Rose Ministries (hereinafter referred to as the "Applicant") was present and testified on behalf of Applicant. The issues in this matter include, first, whether Applicant was the owner of the parcel during the 2004 assessment year; secondly, whether Applicant is a religious organization; and lastly, whether the parcel was used by Applicant for religious purposes during the 2004 assessment year. After a thorough review of the facts and law presented, it is my recommendation that the requested exemption be denied. In support thereof, I make the following findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with the requirements of Section 100/10-50 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 ILCS 100/10-50). FINDINGS OF FACT: 1. The jurisdiction and position of the Illinois Department of Revenue (hereinafter referred to as the “Department”) that McLean County Parcel Index No. 15-30-129-013 did not qualify for a property tax exemption for the 2004 assessment year were established by the admission into evidence of Dept.
    [Show full text]
  • Faust's Self-Realization from a Buddhist Perspective
    FAUST'S belong to the devil. The legend spread SELF-REALIZATION to England, where an English poet, Christopher Marlowe, attracted by the FROM A BUDDHIST motive, wrote The History of Dr. PERSPECTIVE Faustus, a tragedy about a man who sells his soul to the devil. It was the English pupet show based on the Faustus Pornsan Watananguhn Jecrendo which Goethe saw in his home- town of Frankfurt when he was young 1 and which inspired him to write The Abstract Tragedy of Faust later in his life. The aim of this paper is to investigate In the opinion of most German literary the differences between "self- realiza­ critics, Faust reflects the autobiography tion" within Christian-western philoso­ of this 1:>crreat German Poet. It is believed phy and Faust's self-realization in that Goethe must have read the story of Goethe's tragedy as received and inter­ Faust and been impressed by the preted in a Buddhist society. Further, the anxiety of a protagonist's thirsty to know article examines in what way the author what a man can not know. The desire to Goethe shows an ironical and critical increase his self-confidence and to attitudes towards Faust's life and how confirm himself through a better can Faust be redeemed from the guilt knowledge of the cosmos and the world and set himself free from the "karma's" leads to Faust's encounter with the devil. law of cause and effect. He gradually comes to depend on the evil spirit. Goethe started to compose Faust's Self-realization from a the Tragedy of Faust when he was 20 Buddhist Perspective during the literary period of "Storm and Stress" in the 18th century and In the 1 sth century, a young boy named completed this lifework, with many Johann Wolfgang Goethe found a small intervals, at the age of 82.
    [Show full text]
  • 149064NCJRS.Pdf
    If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. • THE CITY OF '. GLENDAIJE POLICE DEPARTMENT OCCULT CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION • 149064 U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice This document has been reproduced exactly as received from the p~rson or organization originating it. Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those of the authors and-do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Nationallnslltute of Justice. Permission to reproduce this copyrighted material has been granted by City of Glendale Police Department to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS). Further reproduction outside of the NCJRS system requires permission of the copyright owner• • t TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) TIPS FOR INVESTIGATING A RITUALISTIC • CRIME SCENE 44 Outside Crime Scene 44 Words of Warning 44 Inside Crime Scene 44 SYMPTOMS CHARACTERIZING SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE NOT USUALLY SEEN IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASES (PRESCHOOL AGE CHILDREN) 46 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENT 48 • • Page 1 •• The purpose of this training bulletin is to provide each officer with the necessary tools to become familiar with the terminology, artifacts and symbols relative to persons involved in crimes of occultic origin. Bringing to light the person· or persons involved in crimes from the satanic/occultic realm is not an easy task. The untrained investigator may find great difficulty understanding when an incident occurs from this area. We must remember that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution allows anyone the freedom to worship--GOD, PLANTS, SAT AN, ETC. A number of crimes within the past few years have come to our attention as these crimes have been flavored with involvement from the occult.
    [Show full text]
  • Useful Information Finland
    USEFUL INFORMATION IF GOING TO FINLAND AS A TOURIST IN A PLEASURE CRAFT. Topic Comment Demographic data 5.4 5.5 million inhabitants, out of which 1.2 million in the Helsinki capital region and 0.6million in (population/no of Helsinki. Finland has a distance of 1,100 km from the south to the north. The longest EU- clubs/members/boats) border is with Russia – 1,340 km. 170,000 lakes (> 2,000 m2) and 180,000 islands. Totally about 39,000 km shoreline. The average depth in the Baltic Sea is only 54 m, in the Gulf of Finland it is 36 m and in the archipelago even less. Millions of hard rocks and granite, 80% of the beacons or spar buoys in the World are in Finland and Sweden. There are two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. In the self-governing Åland archipelago and along the coastline Swedish speakers constitute a majority. Time zone UTC +2, (will be elected 2019) summer nights are very short further north in the Gulf of Bothnia. The Finnish Sailing and Boating Federation (origins 1906 and 1937, merged in 2011) have 330 clubs with 60,000 members. Around 13,000 motorboats and 11,000 sailing boats are registered within clubs. The right to use the yachting club ensign is given to boats registered in the club and which are annually safety inspected. There are altogether about 800,000 boats and vessels, including small rowing boats. Currency with link for Since 2002 the Finnish currency is Euro. You can pay with credit card almost everywhere exchange rates with the exception of small shops in the archipelago.
    [Show full text]
  • May Day: a Pagan Sabbath
    May Day: A Pagan Sabbath by Charles Whitaker (http://www.cgg.org) May Day: A Pagan Sabbath Origins and Meaning Of May 1st Charles Whitaker Given 01-May-10; Sermon #990B Today, May 1st, is May Day. May Day is not just a day where children innocently gambol around maypoles and have fun. As we will see, May Day sinks its roots deep down into the extreme depths of paganism. It is one of the eight days of the year sacred to Satan; it is a witch's sabbath. Let us spend a few minutes reviewing the roots of May Day. May Day has several roots, but today I want to talk only about its connection to two: First, the Celtic festival of Beltane, and Second, the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night. The Celtic festival of Beltane is spelled B-e-l-t-a-n-e. However, its old spelling is Bealtaine. Some etymologists trace it to the Scythians, whom we understand to be ancient Israelites. However, none that I could find relate Beltane to its obvious root: the practice of Baal worship, sun worship. Celtic and other northern European people decorated what they called May bushes with "flowers, ribbons, garlands and colored egg shells," usually on or around April 30th. Then the bushes become fuel for large bonfires, usually lit on the top of hills in the evening. The next day, May 1st, was a day of celebration, often involving frolicking around maypoles. Anciently, much of this frolicking was transvestite in nature. This was a spring festival. Notice, that it was weeks after the Spring Equinox (March 21st).
    [Show full text]
  • 28.4. at 20:00 Helsinki Music Centre Dalia Stasevska Petri Kumela Lotta
    28.4. at 20:00 Helsinki Music Centre Dalia Stasevska conductor Petri Kumela guitar Lotta Emanuelsson presenter Antti Auvinen: Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz guitar concerto, fp (a Yle commission) 1-2-3-4 1 Felix Mendelssohn: Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 1. Allegro moderato ma con fuoco 2. Andante 3. Scherzo: Allegro leggierissimo 4. Presto Paula Sundqvist violin, Annika Palas-Peltokallio violin, Pauline Fleming-Unelius violin, Reeta Maalismaa violin, Ezra Woo viola, Albert Papp viola, Jukka Rautasalo cello, Timo Alanen cello Antti Auvinen: Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz, guitar concerto The works of Finland’s Antti Auvinen a Cracklebox, Postcard Weevil and Board (b. 1974) are like cracked mirrors reflect- Chirper. ing the distortions and pain points in the Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz is a typi- world. Or could the spiky rhythms in his cal Auvinen title. As he points out, it lends music be signs that the world itself is dis- itself to various interpretations, and he torted? For the listener is forced to ques- therefore urges the listener to give free tion and take a stand. The very titles of rein to the images it arouses. For him, the orchestral Junker Twist (2015), Himmel “Andalusian” calls to mind both certain Punk (2016) and Turbo Aria (2017) evoke aspects of Spain and memories of a fla- unusual associations. Some of his compo- menco course he attended in Andalusia. sitions, such as the experimental, Teosto- “Panzerwagen” suggests a militant, prize winning opera Autuus (Bliss, 2015) in- steamroller attitude, and “Jazz” could al- corporte a video sequence. lude to the leeway he allows the players in Auvinen did not treat the guitar kind- executing some of the details.
    [Show full text]
  • Old English Poetry
    The Birth of English Poetry Dr Stuart D Lee [email protected] Lesson Aims • General points about Old English poetry • Old English poetry collections • Performance / Authorship / Audience • Technicalities of Old English Poetry • Consider some Old English poems A small topical digression… Months Days Bede, De temporum ratione Fusion and appropriation Christianity arrives in 597 AD Saxon days started the previous evening Conversion by appropriation Thus ‘æfen’ or evening is part of the next day Celtic feast of Samhain, Norse feast of Vetrnætr - e.g. Midsummer’s Eve, ‘appropriated’ > Feast of Christmas Eve All Hallows EndFusion of summer and … appropriation ‘Like the Celtic counterpart, the people used to Christianity arrivescelebrate in this597 nightAD by lightingSaxon large days bonfiresstarted the to previous frightened spirits and demons,evening because on this night they freely roamed the world. It is also on Conversion bythis appropriation night that Odin was supposedThus ‘æfen’ to leador evening the is part spectral horsemen and houndsof the innext the day Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt lasted throughout winter, peaking Celtic feast of Samhain, at Yule's night before ending the following year on Norse feast of Vetrnætr - e.g. Midsummer’s Eve, May Eve (Walpurgis' Night).’ ‘appropriated’ > Feast of Christmas Eve All Hallows Fusion and appropriation Christianity arrives in 597 AD Saxon days started the previous evening Conversion by appropriation Thus ‘æfen’ or evening is part of the next day Celtic feast of Samhain, Norse feast of Vetrnætr - e.g. Midsummer’s Eve, ‘appropriated’ > Feast of Christmas Eve All Hallows ealra halgena æfen All Hallow’s Eve (31st October) Fusion and appropriation Christianity arrives in 597 AD Saxon days started the previous evening Conversion‘Ac by weappropriation gehyrdon seggonThus ‘æfen’sumne or evening þisne ismann, part þæt nan mann ne leofode,of the next þe day him blod lete on ealra halgena mæssedæg, oððe gif he Celtic feast of Samhain, gewundod wære.’ e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Fest I April Walpurgisnacht I Witches' Night
    HAVE GERMAN WILL TRAVEL FEST I APRIL (der 30. April) WALPURGISNACHT I WITCHES' NIGHT Walpurgis Night - The Other Halloween Halloween isn't the only night when the supernatural rules There's a penetrating chill in the wind. The bright moon rises behind the shivering, nearly naked trees. A profound sense of foreboding permeates the darkness. This is t he night, after all, when witches ride their broomsticks through the sky, and the natural world is forced to confront the powers of the supernatural. No, it isn't October 31 and this is not Halloween. It's April 30 and it's Walpurgis Night. Like Halloween, Walpurgis has its roots in ancient pagan customs, superstitions and festivals. At this time of year, the Vikings participated in a ritual that they hoped would hasten the arrival of Spring weather and ensure fertility for their crops and livestock. They would light huge bonfires in hopes of sca ring away evil spirits. But the name "Walpurgis" comes from a very different source. In the 8th Century, a woman named Valborg (other iterations of the name indude Walpurgis, Wealdburg and Valderburger) founded the Catholic convent of Heidenheim in Wurtemburg, Germany. She herself later became a nun and was known for speaking out against witchcraft and sorcery. She was canonized a saint on May 1, 779. Since the celebration of her sainthood and the old Viking festival occurred around the same time, over the years the festiva Is and traditions intermingled until the hybrid pagan-Catholic celebration became known as Valborgsmassoafton or Walpurgisnacht - Walpurgis Night. The Other Halloween Although not widely known in the US, this May-Eve night shares many of the traditions of Halloween and is, in fact, directly opposite Halloween on the calendar.
    [Show full text]