Walpurgis Night
Historically the Walpurgisnacht is derived from Pagan spring customs. Due to Walpurga’s holy day falling on the same day, her name became associated with the celebrations. Early Christianity had a policy of ‘Christianising’ pagan festivals so it is no accident that St. Walpurga’s day was set to May 1st. An older tradition from Southern Sweden was for the younger people to collect greenery and branches from the woods at twilight, which were used to adorn the houses of the village.
Sources:
- gummihund.blogspot.com
- mymizzou.com
- www.banjohangout.org
- deannaraybourn.typepad.com
- www.cdkitchen.com
- holidayaday.wordpress.com
Tags: beltane, celebrations, christianity, customs, greenery, holy day, may day, pagan festivals, southern sweden, tradition, twilight, walpurgis, walpurgis nacht, walpurgis night, walpurgisnacht