Walpurgisnacht: Witches Night

Image From: https://enchantedlivingmagazine.com/walpurgisnacht-the-second-halloween/

Gather ‘round, gentle souls…

For ‘tis time to reminisce about ancient magic buried beneath the weight of the trinity.  

That which was celebrated in the darkness cast into light by way of flickering flames and ravenous chants to summon the morning star.

It arrives on the eve of Beltane, right in the very heart of spring…

Wait? Spring? I’m sure you are asking yourselves, “Kaie, don’t you mean autumn?”

Welcome back, my little monster lovers, and thank you for joining your resident Monster Mama for a new adventure into the glorious world of things that go bump in the night.  

Perhaps some of you are already aware of Walpurgisnacht and know far more than I, but for those of you who don’t, I’m excited to give you a glimpse into the halfway mark of the year to Halloween. On April 30th, exactly six months before All Hallows’ Eve, Walpurgis Night is celebrated throughout various countries in Europe.

What is it, you ask?  

How did the Church nearly destroy it?

And how did it survive?

Let’s dive in, shall we?

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Image From: https://dodendans.bandcamp.com/album/dd014-v-a-walpurgisnacht

Once upon a time, long ago, when magic roamed free,and the world was not yet overrun by a Church that preached God’s love for all through bloody conquest, there was Walpurgishnacht.  This name originates from Germany; other European nations celebrate the same holiday with  names in their native languages.

Now, what is Walpurgishnacht?

Traced back to pagan rituals and rites centered on the coming of spring, this special time was also considered to be a time when the veil thinned between the living and the dead (1).  

Supposedly, this was a night for witches to join one another in a dark celebration where they summoned the devil to indulge in unholy communion (2). Those frightened of this “evil” lit bonfires to keep the darkness at bay, made loud noises, and burned straw men to bring them good luck (1).  

Naturally, most of this propaganda about witches was undoubtedly encouraged by the Church during its attempt to assimilate pagan societies so as to eradicate their traditions (2). Because how does the church get rid of beliefs that do not support their mandate? By transforming those beliefs into Christian celebrations; or, when all else fails,

Death.  

Image From: https://liminal11.com/2021/04/30/all-about-walpurgisnacht-the-ultimate-witches-holiday/

Death is a surefire way to put an end to just about anything. For those who continue to do that which they are not supposed to, they must ensure that their “misdeeds” are more discreet.  

Now, if we ignore the tidbit about the Church killing people to enforce Christian law, this embellishment of a witch holiday sounds delightful, doesn’t it? Running wild to summon Lucifer so as to engage in naughty revelry that would prompt God to bring about the plagues again! That’s the dream.

But that pesky old Church had other plans, and for a time Walpurgisnacht melded into a new celebration that ultimately failed to erase all traces of pagan history from the holiday.

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In fact, the name “Walpurgis” comes from Saint Walpurga, who was canonized in 870, around May 1 (1). Though historians believe it was likely a coincidence that her ascension to sainthood was on that date (1), it may have helped the pagans, who still wished to celebrate their beliefs, disguise them as a celebration for Saint Walpurga (3).  

Now, Walpurga was a real person. She was an English nun and missionary who came to Germany to spread the gospel of Christ and to Christianize the Saxons who lived in the area (1). In other words, she was there to get rid of those old pagan practices, which is what assimilation is. So when you hear that word in association with societies, it’s not usually a nice thing. Pass that bit of information on!

As Christianity spread, the fear of THE DEVIL and witches also spread. In the sixteenth century, witch hunts exploded across Germany (and other places) (3). Naturally, the rhetoric surrounding Walpurgisnacht claimed that this was a night for evil doings. Those hedonistic witches would gather on the highest peak in Germany, Mount Brocken, to host their satanic rituals to discuss how to bring all things naughty (and evil of course) into the following year (3).

And just like that, the Church used fear to condemn an ancient practice surrounding the beauty of spring, and to turn it into something to fear (1).  

Fret not, though my lovely monsters, for this is not the end.

Image From: https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/culture-history-and-art/swedish-traditions/walpurgis-night-and-may-day/

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How did Walpurgisnacht evolve and come to be remembered for the pagan festivities that once reigned supreme on April 30th and May 1st?

Well, you can thank science. With science, old superstitions were replaced by tangible, factual knowledge, so the fear of the devil and witches didn’t linger (1).  What also happened was the Romanticism period in 19th-century Germany, which encouraged a look into the past (1). Old tales and practices were visited anew, immortalized by written text and works of art (1).

Today’s version of Walpurgisnacht is an homage to the history of the holiday. Considered a second Halloween, people dress up in costumes and prank one another, all in good fun(1).  A few ancient traditions have also remained from pagan practices, and some new ones have been added (1).

Image From: https://raredirndl.com/blogs/events/what-is-walpurgisnacht?srsltid=AfmBOoo9tY2DQBx0CPk0-nPcuL69wD4d-Yb9MRDwRIMEcT22gq43tthi

People may light fireworks to celebrate, and sing folk songs, but the most impressive is Tanz in den Mai (1). In English, that means “Dance into May,” and what happens is that people create massive bonfires to celebrate around (1). I would assume that they dance around said bonfire.

Either way, Walpurgisnacht is no longer wrapped up in fear or satanic panic. Rather, it seems to be a celebration of history, both the good and the bad.  

And maybe…there is still a bit of mischievousness to boot? After all, there is fun to be had in the dark where the witches may roam.

For now, though, Monster Mama must depart.  Please don’t hesitate to drop a comment, or follow and like if you want to continue seeing more Myths and Mischief content!

Until next time, my monsters. Keep questioning the world around you and go forth to hunt new discoveries.  

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Sources:

1. Pottamkulam, Naina. “Walpurgisnacht: The German Night of the Witches Explained.” IamExpat, 26 Apr. 2024, www.iamexpat.de/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/walpurgisnacht-german-night-witches-explained.
2. Zhuravleva, Marina. “Walpurgis Night: Spooky and Fascinating Facts About the Most Mystical Night in Eastern Europe.” Palme School, 30 Apr. 2025, www.palmeschool.com/usa/blog/valpurgieva-noch/
3. “Witchcraft Around the World: 30th April – Walpurgis Night.” Digital Coven, 2 May 2022, digital-coven.com/2022/05/02/witchcraft-around-the-world-30th-april-walpurgis-night/.