The Sweden-New Zealand Association 1964 - 2014

The Sweden-New Zealand Association 1964 - 2014

Monday, April 30, 2012

Walpurgis Night

Walpurgis Night
Valborg is a traditional spring festival on 30 April every year. In Sweden, Walpurgis Night (Swedish: Valborgsmässoafton or simply Valborg) has more or less become a de facto half holiday.

Rooted in the Pagan beliefs that the spring fires ward off evil, chaotic spirits as well as protect livestock from predators, the pagan traditions were "Christianized" at some time in the past to commemorate the death of Saint Walpurg. Today, there is little religious significance associated with Sista April.

The forms of celebration in Sweden vary in different parts of the country and between different cities. One of the main traditions is to light large bonfires. Singing traditional songs of spring is widespread throughout the country and many bonfires are accompanied with student choirs, orchestras and speeches.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/sweden-travel-in-national/valborg-a-swedish-celebration-like-no-other
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walpurgis_Night
http://blogs.sweden.se/photo/2011/05/02/valborg-welcoming-spring-with-a-bonfire-at-skansen/

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