Walpurgisnacht is the eve of the feast of Saint Walpurga, who interceded against “pest, rabies, and whooping cough, as well as against witchcraft.”
Why is her day recognized on the night of April 30th? Because that’s when witches would gather to party down ahead of Beltane (May 1), their super lit (literally – they lit bonfires) holiday that falls between the spring equinox and summer solstice. The Walpurgisnacht bonfires were thought to counter the witches, often with witches burnt in effigy.
I will pause here while you go queue up The Wicker Man.
Many people make pilgrimages to her tomb on Walpurgisnacht to pray or get some Oil of Saint Walburga (which seems suspiciously witchy to me..?)
Beltane itself has a lot of fantastic myths and traditions. As it marked the start of the summer season, rituals were performed to bless crops and animals. The smoke from bonfires was thought to have protective powers, so people would gather around or lead their animals near them. Many couples tried to conceive by the light of Beltane fires, as the festival was thought to be one of fertility and growth (though the fae were said to be especially active then, so many were warned not to take a tumble with any mysterious strangers on that night.) Any child conceived on Beltane was called a “merry-begot” gift from the gods. Of course, a lot of wine, some delicious food and a general spirit of merriment meant plenty of people just boinked for funsies.
That said, births or marriages on Beltane were thought to be ill-fated. According to lore, horses foaled on Beltane were destined to kill men and calves born on that day were fated to die. A robin flying into your home on Beltane was said to portend the death of a resident.
Even amongst non-witches, May Day is a day of picnics, love, playfulness and outdoorsiness. Some areas erect and decorate maypoles (though many traditions save those for Midsummer).
So whether you’re pro-witch or anti-witch, this is a time to burn some shit and party down, whether your scene is tits and wine by the fire or a casual barbecue in the park.