May Day Celebrations: Walpurgis Night

Walpurgis Night occurs on the eve of May Day and is a pagan holiday that has been romanticized in the arts from Edward Albee's play, "Virginia Wolf," to Goethe's "Faust."

The name "Walpurgis" is said to be derived from the 8th century Saint Walpurga, who was an English missionary that began a convent in Germany. May 1 was set aside as her holy day with a feast in her honor.

Bonfires were set, similar to those ignited for Beltane, but this ritual specific to Walpurgis Night was performed to ward off witches and evil spirits. In the morning, a May Day festival in celebration of the new season took place.

Today, some European countries and Scandinavian communities still celebrate Walpurgis Night leading into May Day with music, singing, and fire.