walpurgis night
Definition
Proper noun: * Walpurgis Night: The eve of May Day (April 30th), traditionally associated in European folklore with a witches' sabbath or supernatural gatherings, particularly on the Brocken mountain in Germany. It is named after Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century English missionary.
Usage
- Walpurgis Night is used as a specific calendar date and cultural reference. It is often capitalized.
- According to legend, witches gather on the Brocken for Walpurgis Night.
- The festival on April 30th celebrates the arrival of spring but is also known as Walpurgis Night.
Advanced Usage
- "A Walpurgis Night": Can be used metaphorically to describe a scene of wild revelry, chaos, or a gathering perceived as sinister or demonic.
- The political debate devolved into a Walpurgis Night of shouting and accusations.
Variants and Related Words
- Walpurgisnacht: The German name for Walpurgis Night.
- Saint Walpurga's Day: The feast day of Saint Walpurga on May 1st, from which the night before derives its name.
Synonyms
- Hexennacht (German for "Witches' Night")
- May Eve
- Valborgsmässoafton (Swedish name)
Related Cultural References
- Walpurgis Night is a central theme in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play , where Faust and Mephistopheles attend the witches' festival on the Brocken.
- It is celebrated in various Northern European countries with bonfires and singing to ward off evil spirits and welcome spring.
Noun
-
eve of May Day
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