Craig Smith wrote:
> Amadeus wrote:
>
>
>>Today's the day, the night to come.
>>
>>See e.g. http://www.flavinscorner.com/4-27-01.htm
>>
>
> Hmmph.  Tonight is Walpurgisnacht, *tomorrow* is Beltane/May Day!
>
> .:. Craig

That's the common thinking. The text above indicates that Walpurgisnacht
is just
a recent christian invention to replace the older celtic rites (Walpurga
died 777 AD).
The customs assicoated with the night before may-day seem to indicate
very old roots.
My celtic lexicon however sais the first of may is Beltaine (mentioning
Walpurga).
In the ancient germanic culture the new day always begins with the night
before. Maybe celtic tribes saw it in the same way.

Amadeus
(estimating for myself around 1/2 celtic origin by the regions)