Preparing for Wonnezeit

Wonnenacht is coming (sundown on Sunday, April 30), which starts the Wonnezeit ("Time of Joy") observance! Here are ways that you can prepare for Holle's return and the end of the Wild Hunt!

1). In Urglaawe, we strive to stay attuned to the cycles of life, particularly the seasons. Around this time, we are seeing some plants grow from infancy to young adulthood, and this matches the phase of the year that we are entering. Young adulthood brings with it increased reasoning and logic abilities, which may be one reason that Holle carries an association with reason. Ponder the evolution of your mind over the course of your life, and continue to work on any resolutions set at New Year's Day.

2). Finish your Spring Cleaning. Clear pathways from the front to the back of your house on all floors.

3). Prepare signs welcoming Holle into your home ("Wilkum Holle"). The signs may be as plain or as elaborate as you wish them to be. Tradition is to place a sign outside on each window or doorway starting in the morning on April 30 and leaving them there until after sundown on May 1.

4). As far as it is safe and doable, open all windows and doors from sundown on April 30 into the daytime on May 1. Along with the signs, this is an old Deitsch/Braucherei tradition that appears also in our Wonnenacht myth. If you can only open a window or two, do so, but be sure a sign is on the windows that are open. 

5). Set out or plant offerings. May lilies (lily-of-the-valley) have an association with this time. Elder branches are acceptable offerings (do not burn), particularly if the flowers have not appeared yet; however, I tend to allow the elder to grow unless I have to trim it back from the sidewalk, in which case the branches become offerings. Mugwort (burned or otherwise) is also acceptable and traditional, as are molasses and honey. A linden branch or two in honor of the hero, Gedreier Eckhart, would also be acceptable. Various offerings to the returning Landwichde (landwights) are always appropriate.

6). Remember that in Deitsch myth and in our folklore, Berchta plays a major role in Wonnenacht, too. She is closing out the Dunkelheft, or the Dark Half of the year, and offerings of evergreens to Her are also encouraged.

7). If you are able to make a visit to Hexenkopf, the sacred seat of Holle in the Deitscherei, ask me for contact info for the owners and request permission to visit the site. Be respectful and honor any time limits that they may implement.

8). Celebrate life! This is a time of joy. Life is springing around us everywhere!

9). Do not put tender plants out yet. Three Reifries (Frost Giants) attack at the end of Wonnezeit (overnight on May 12, May 13, May 14). May 15 is the traditional date for all plants to go out.

Hail Holle!

Hallichi Walpurgisnacht... adder Hallichi Wonnenacht!

HAIL HOLLE!

Over the years, this blog has provided insight into the Braucherei and Urglaawe observances of Walpurgisnacht. Last year's article was, perhaps, the most informative, and we will refer readers back to that post.

This year, though, a lively discussion was sparked on Facebook regarding the origins and nature of this holiday. The Braucherei lore and current Urglaawe practice, as said earlier, still stand. However, one question was posed by my good friend, Hrafn Skald, who, I hope, will not mind my sharing his query.

Robert-I'm curios to hear where the problems with Walpurgus as a name come in. Do the baelfires have a correlary in Braucheri traditions? I know some see it as a holiday of letting go of old things that are no longer needed (perhaps bad habits or attachments that hold one back too), but I would love to know more about how it is celebrated in your neck of the woods, so to speak.

The answer below reflects some elements of actual Urglaawe belief and practice that had not been expressed in the prior years' posts.

Robert L. Schreiwer Hraffy,the problem is the same as was cited earlier by others: Walburga is a much later, Christian character. In some ways, I'd not mind seeing the term "Walpurgisnacht" disappear from Urglaawe and use one of hte other terms, such as Wonnetdanz (May Dance), Wonnetnacht (May Night), Wonnedanz (Joy Dance), Wonnenacht, (Joy Night) Hexedanz (Witches Dance), etc. However, the term "Walpurgisnacht" is firmly ensconced in Braucherei tradition. 

The expulsion of unneeded things from our lives is typically associated with the completion of yearly oaths around Allelieweziel (end of October / early November). There are exceptions, though, that relate directly to your question. 

Spring cleaning inside the home begins at Groundhog Day and is to end prior to Walpurgisnacht so that the home is ready for Holle's inspection (hence the opening of doors and windows with the welcoming sign). 

Outdoor Spring cleaning typically begins as early as possible, partially depending on the predictions of Groundhog Day. The remnants of last year's crops are still present. Some went into the creation of the Butzemann, and the rest are now in the way of new growth. We are to begin to clear in earnest the remnants, many of which can be burned in the pyres of Walpurgisnacht. Any number of parallels can be drawn to other aspects of our lives at this time. 

It is pouring rain here in the Deitscherei on this Wonnenacht, but my windows and doors will soon be opened with the appropriate welcoming signs placed. I will delay the burning of the pyres of last year's remnants, though, until these heavy rains are gone. However, I will burn candles in the house tonight and welcome the Mother of the Deitsch nation back to the Hatzholz (Mannheem / Midgard). 

Enjoy your time of celebration! Revel in the joys of life, love, friendship, and community!

Hail!