Coming from the states, we are not accustomed to such celebrations for the 1st of May. In Germany however, like most things, there is a festival of sorts to help celebrate such an occasion. For those non-German readers, a little background on May Day. This ancient festival is a welcoming to the spring weather and is also meant to drive away evil spirits. Many people here in Germany observe the night between April 30th and May 1st as Walpurgisnacht (Witches Night). Many years ago it was believed that witches held Walpurgisnacht celebrations on the summit of the Blocksberg, a mountain in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, on the night between April 30th and May 1st. People believed it was dangerous to be outside on this night so they lit fires and danced wildly to deter the witches from coming too close to them or their homes. These traditions have led to the custom of lighting fires and erecting maypoles during May Day. We have also been warned towards the innocent pranks typically carried out on Witches Night where the local young people will do things such as move your patio furniture to another home or "decorate your vehicle" in your driveway. Regardless, we are looking forward to spending a fun evening outside at the event with our fellow neighbors of Metterich......and hope to find our patio furniture in the morning.
Saturday, May 1
A great time was had by all last night. The bratwurst was great but the schweinbacken (pork sandwich with fried onions) was amazing! The maypole was erected early this morning and is standing tall.
Walpurgisnacht, or witches night, was not as bad. Some shaving cream and toilet paper thrown about the street was about all mischief that took place. Well, that and somehow they "borrowed" the white-line chalking tool from the local soccer field and placed a colorful white trail down the middle of the road in the heart of the village.
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