"This was Walpurgis Night!"- 'Dracula's Guest', Bram Stoker, 1914.
Walpurgisnacht, (April 30th), is the night when witches, demons and spirits hold a party, much like the images accompanying the Night on Bald Mountain suite. It is celebrated in a similar manner to Halloween, with tricks being played on unsuspecting people. Children dress as witches or monsters, bells are pealed and there may even be ritual blessings with holy water and the like. Blessed sprigs can be found hanging over the doors of homes and barns to ward off evil. Many offer a slice of bread spread with butter and honey, called Ankenschnitt, for the phantom hounds who roam.
Tonight the veil thins and party crashing is on my agenda...
