Walpurgis Night is a mystical holiday, dating back to pre-Christian traditions, the night from April 30 to May 1, before the commemoration of St. Walpurgia.
According to medieval ideas, at that time,When Walpurgis Night falls to the ground, witches, sorcerers and other evil spirits acquire unprecedented power. Also, this time among the admirers of sorcery this time is considered the most favorable for carrying out all sorts of magical rituals.
Walpurgis Night in the Cultures of Different Peoples
It's amazing that in different cultures the night betweenApril and May was considered magical. The Celts celebrated their spring holiday Beltane at that time, in Germany, Austria and other countries it was customary to dance around the May tree symbolizing the world axis. This rite is dedicated to restoring order and harmony, as well as awakening the fertile forces of the earth.
Pagan holidays of the Slavs in many respectsecho with ancient rituals, which were held throughout Europe. According to the beliefs of our ancestors, the night between April and May is the time when the boundary between the world of people (Yav) and the lower world (Nav) disappears, from where evil entities can come if there is no right defense. Only the name of the Slavic holiday was Zhivin day, and not Walpurgis night. It is believed that he was dedicated to the Goddess of fertility Zhiva. At this time, rites were held to clean houses of evil, and, of course, to a rich harvest.
The Slavs believed that the dead ancestors are always there, and they are ready to give advice and share their strength with the living. This was the cult of the Rod, the basis of the beliefs of the Slavs.
On April 30, when the cold finally recedes,Slavs celebrated their ancestors, visited graves, leaving gifts to them. Like most holidays, the eve of Zhivin's day was inseparably linked with the veneration of Rod's power.
Muslims on this night celebrate the celebration of fate. At sunrise, they say a prayer and ask higher powers to fulfill their most cherished desire.
In many artworksWalpurgis Night is associated with the appearance on Earth of evil forces that seek to harm people. However, since ancient times in many cultures, this holiday was considered one of the four main events of the year, when it was time for purification and rebirth. In nature, there is a turn from spring to summer, and a person who lives in accordance with natural laws can use the power of this period to liberate one from filth.
Herbs and plants on this night, according to beliefs,filled with healing power that healers used. In many villages, fires were lit, on which the effigies of witches, personified evil, were destroyed. People jumped through the fire to undergo purification and gain new strength.
Now in Europe, Walpurgis Night is celebratedEvery year. This holiday is always noisy and fun. Numerous firecrackers explode, the sound of which is intended to drive away evil spirits, huge bonfires are lit, ancient traditional games are played.
Christians from time immemorial considered this night timeevil forces, to protect themselves from which people can only fire and prayer. For the pagans, Walpurgis Night was a celebration of fertility, rebirth, and a new life.
One thing is for sure - the time between April and Mayreally has an unusual energy. People seeking to live in harmony with the world at this time can benefit from the awakening of natural forces. On this day, you can escape from the usual hustle and bustle and be alone, to listen to yourself and better understand how to build a future life. Even simple walks in nature in the forest can add vivacity and cheerfulness. And this night you can make a most intimate wish, it will surely be fulfilled.
