Beltane, Walpurgis Night, Zhivin Day, and Kuzmin Day – different traditions in one night.

This period is shrouded in numerous legends and ancient customs. Celebrated across various cultures, its symbolism differs significantly. For the Germanic peoples, it is the night of witches' sabbaths; for the Celts, it marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the "great sun" period. For the Slavs, it is Zhivin Day, a festival of fertility. In Muslim tradition, it is Laylat al-Qadr, a sacred night of fulfilled wishes; in Japan, it’s Setsubun; in Spain, Las Fallas; and in Switzerland, Fasnacht, a carnival procession.

Germanic and Scandinavian Beliefs

The belief in the rise of dark forces on the night of May 1 was especially prevalent among German-speaking peoples — Germans, Austrians, and Scandinavians. In Scotland, the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane was observed, dedicated to the sun and fertility.

For the ancient Celts, Beltane symbolized the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It was believed that after sunset, gates to otherworldly realms — lands of elves, dwarves, and mystical beings — opened. To protect themselves from evil forces, people lit bonfires, jumped over the flames, burned effigies of witches, circled their homes with torches, and rang church bells.

On this day, dew, fresh milk, and butter were attributed with special powers and were used for health and protection.

Slavic Traditions

In Russia, this day was dedicated to the beginning of the bright half of the year, symbolizing life and fertility. The celebration was called Zhivin Day in honor of the goddess Zhiva. People prayed for a good harvest and strong health. Kuzmin Day was also observed, a festival revered by farmers and gardeners.

Interestingly, echoes of Slavic traditions from Zhivin Day and the Christian Kuzmin Day can be seen in the Soviet celebration of May 1, Labor Day.

Walpurgis Night

The most famous name for this period is Walpurgis Night, associated with Saint Walpurga, a nun attributed with special abilities. In 748, she arrived from England to present-day Germany. She was often depicted wearing a crown, symbolizing noble origins, against a backdrop of linden trees and mountains — believed to be gates to the otherworld by the Germanic and Celtic peoples.

Next to her was often a dog — a windhound, or "wind dog," guiding souls to the afterlife. In her hands, she held a triangular mirror believed to reveal the future. It was said that on the night of May 1, Walpurga could interact with the souls of the dead and foresee future events.

Later, her memorial day was set for May 1. A century after her death, an unusual event occurred: during the restoration of a monastery, her grave was desecrated, and her shadow allegedly appeared to a bishop at night. Her relics were moved to Eichstätt, and, according to legend, miraculous oil began flowing from them. Walpurga was canonized, and her cult spread throughout Germany.

The Mystique of Walpurgis Night

Over time, Walpurgis Night gained a mystical association with witches. It was believed that on this night, dark forces gathered on the summits of sacred mountains in Europe — from Brocken in Germany to Bald Mountain near the Dnieper.

According to folklore, herbs gathered on this night acquired special powers. To ward off evil spirits, people placed fragrant herbs at their doorsteps, believing that the entities would be compelled to count them and fail to enter the house.

Today, Walpurgis Night serves as a reason for carnivals, festivals, and themed events. In Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, costume parades and celebrations dedicated to this day are held.

Although large bonfires are challenging to organize in cities, the "night of power" can still be celebrated meaningfully — for example, by crafting a magical candle for prosperity!

Recipe for a Prosperity Candle with Russian Runes

Ingredients:

Natural wax (beeswax or soy), or paraffin
Wick
Candle mold
Herbs for prosperity: basil, mint, wormwood (or ground cinnamon if unavailable)
Essential oil of patchouli or cinnamon
A piece of green thread

Incantation:"As Dazhbog shines generously and gives abundantly,As Treba paves the way for exchange — what is given returns manifold,As Bereginya guards my home and protects prosperity,So shall this candle attract gold, goodness, and blessings to me.So be it!"

Meaning of the Runes:

Dazhbog — attraction of abundant energy
Treba — proper energy exchange (give and receive)
Bereginya — preservation and protection of acquired wealth

Instructions:

Melt the wax (or paraffin) in a double boiler.
While reciting the incantation, add a pinch of dried herbs and a few drops of essential oil to the wax.
Place the wick in the mold and pour in the wax.
While the candle sets, focus on your intention: visualize prosperity entering your life.
Once the candle hardens, inscribe the runes on its surface or carve them into the soft wax while repeating the incantation three times. Then wrap the candle with the green thread, securing all the elements together.
Light the candle, envisioning your desires. It’s not necessary to burn it completely in one session; it can be used multiple times.