Walpurgisnacht or Walpurgis night, is a celebrations that takes place at the 30th of April to the 1st of May. It is often celebrated with dancing and huge bonfires. This is similar to the halloween festival, in that it has to do with the supernatural spirits, both ancestors and gods, also spirits of specific places and Elfs. The bonfires at this festival, is a warm welcome to the spring time, to receive the heat and say farewell to the harsh cold winter times.
In Norse traditions - and many others - this night is the time when the boundary between our world and that of the spirits is a bit shaky. Much like Samhain, six months later, Walpurgisnacht is a time to communicate with the spirit world. Bonfires are traditionally lit to keep away malevolent spirits or those who might do us mischief.
This celebrations takes place one night before the celtic celebrations of Baltaine.
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