The Ancient Germanic Pagan Version of Beltane: Walpurgisnacht

You've probably heard of Beltane, the ancient Celtic festival of fertility, growth and the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice celebrated on May 1st. But have you heard of the Germanic version?

What is Walpurgisnacht

Walpurgisnacht - or Walpurgis Night in English - is a traditional holiday celebrated on 30th April in Europe and Scandinavia, but has roots in ancient Germanic Paganism. After Norse Pagans were converted to Christianity, the Pagan celebration was combined with St. Walburga, an English-born nun who lived at Heidenheim monastery in Germany, later becoming the abbess there. Walburga was believed to have cured the illnesses of many local residents. Walburga is traditionally associated with May 1st which is said to be coincidential to the date of the Pagan celebration of spring, Beltane.

Pagan Traditions Still Celebrated Today

This festival is known for its bonfire celebrations, folk music and stories of witches. In some regions it is also linked to May Day, often merged into a single celebration. Modern Norse Pagans celebrate today with bonfires, feasting, dancing and a toast or offering to Odin and the goddesses of magic.

Today, typical activities include the singing of traditional spring folk songs, lighting bonfires, and in some regions such as Germany, dressing in costumes, playing pranks on people and creating loud noises meant to keep evil at bay. Many people also hang sprigs of foliage to ward off evil spirits or leave pieces of bread spread with butter and honey (called 'ankenschnitt') as offerings.

Faun - a German Pagan band singing about Walpurgisnacht

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