From Dave Kline Productions
Did you know that Walpurgisnacht was observed by many Pennsylvania Dutch (PA German) farming families? Their efforts were meant to rid thousands of acres of fertile farmland of pestilence and evil spirits for the coming growing season!
According to author Charles J. Adams III from a 2015 story published in the Reading Eagle newspaper, “Situated on one of the highest rises of a ridge roughly between Virginville and Windsor Castle, Witches Hill had long been considered a gathering spot for witches in the earliest years of the settlers’ habitation of the area.
Less than two miles from Windsor Castle, there was, until about 50 years ago, a piece of unused land which all the countryside believed to be the trysting place of witches. All the malevolent spirits of these parts were supposed, on certain nights, to hide themselves thither, and to dance ’round and ’round and measured tread.”
That “trysting place” became known locally and colloquially as Witches Hill. Witchcraft Road still leads to Witches Hill to this very day!
On Thursday, April 30, the Reading Liederkranz and Dave Kline Productions will present “Walpurgisnacht, A Night of Ghostlore and Haunting Music,” starring Charles J. Adams III and Dave Kline, at the Reading Liederkranz, located at 143 Spook Ln. in Reading, PA. The event is open to everybody.
Walpurgisnacht will soon be here. Where will you be? Mike and Tanya of the Reading Liederkranz have put together a “spirited” special menu for your pre-show dining pleasure. Arrive early and feast on homemade goodness.
Doors and kitchen open as early as 5 p.m. À la carte Walpurgisnacht menu includes:
- Soup:
- Hexensuppe (made from the traditional European recipe of the soup witches cooked in their cauldrons): potatoes, carrots, leeks, and white beans in a vegetable broth.
- $5.00/cup or $7.00/bowl
- Hexensuppe (made from the traditional European recipe of the soup witches cooked in their cauldrons): potatoes, carrots, leeks, and white beans in a vegetable broth.
- Appetizer
- Soul Saving Anti-Evil Soup (taken from the ancient tradition of consuming bread and honey to dissuade evil spirits from entering the body): hot honey breaded chicken tenders served with celery and ranch dip
- $8.00
- Soul Saving Anti-Evil Soup (taken from the ancient tradition of consuming bread and honey to dissuade evil spirits from entering the body): hot honey breaded chicken tenders served with celery and ranch dip
- Entrée:
- Deviled Steak (the garlic and herbs ward off influences from the unclean, undead): stewed beef in a savory gravy served with garlic mashed red potatoes and a vegetable of choice
- $16.00
- Deviled Steak (the garlic and herbs ward off influences from the unclean, undead): stewed beef in a savory gravy served with garlic mashed red potatoes and a vegetable of choice
- Sandwich
- Doner Kebab (consuming lamb is said to save souls from corruption and evil): shaved lamb in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and yogurt sauce served with Charlie & Dave’s favorite housemade potato chips
- $12.00
- Doner Kebab (consuming lamb is said to save souls from corruption and evil): shaved lamb in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and yogurt sauce served with Charlie & Dave’s favorite housemade potato chips
Walpurgisnacht show begins at 7 p.m., with open seating. Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $30.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased here: events.ticketleap.com/tickets/dave-kline-productions-1/walpurgisnacht-ghost-tales-lore-music-on-spook-lane.
What is Walpurgisnacht?
Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night) is a traditional Northern European festival held on April 30 (eve of May Day) that marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Rooted in pagan rituals and linked to Saint Walpurga, it is famously known as the “[Witches’ Sabbath],” where folklore suggests witches gathered on Mount Brocken in Germany.
Key aspects of Walpurgisnacht
- Meaning: Literally “Saint Walpurga’s Night,” named after an 8th-century abbess who was believed to ward off evil spirits. It is often referred to as Hexennacht (Witches’ Night) in German.
- Origins: Originating from pagan fertility rites and spring celebrations, it later blended with the Christian feast day of St. Walpurga.
- Customs and usage: Traditions include lighting massive bonfires to ward off evil, wearing costumes, playing pranks, singing, and dancing, particularly in Germany, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic.
- Folklore: It is believed that on this night, witches rode to Mount Brocken (the highest peak in the Harz Mountains) to meet with the devil, a tradition often depicted in art and literature.
- Cultural significance: Often celebrated today with festivals, street performances, and music (e.g., in Finland as Vappu).
- Folklore: In Germany, folks hang blessed herbs or place butter-and-honey bread (ankenschnitt) outside to keep phantom hounds and evil away.
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