Hexen-Nacht
The night of April 30 is known as “Hexennacht,” witches night. The Germans, mainly children and teenagers will play tricks on neighbors. They ring doorbells and run off, put mustard on door handles, hide floor mats and trash cans, remove garden gates and wrap cars in toilet paper.
Legend says that during Hexennacht, evil ghosts represented by cold weather, snow and darkness meet with witches and demons at Blocksberg hill in the Harz Mountains. There, they get into mischief before they take off on broomsticks, pitchforks and Billy goats at midnight.
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"When I walked the dog in the morning this is what I saw". Thankfully not much damage.
Legend says that during Hexennacht, evil ghosts represented by cold weather, snow and darkness meet with witches and demons at Blocksberg hill in the Harz Mountains. There, they get into mischief before they take off on broomsticks, pitchforks and Billy goats at midnight.
The origin of witches’ night goes back to Pagan times when people believed evil ghosts tried to prevent the “Queen of Spring” from entering the country. Witches and demons were masters of people and things, so people did a lot to protect themselves.
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As you can see the pranks weren't too crazy to deal with, just some bins moved. The Germans just laugh at the pranks and have fun with it. I would think it would be more serious in the United States were people are so sensitive and territorial of their property. I find it so intriguing how the Germans treat their special days with a lot of respect. You can say the Germans are so rational when it comes to things. For example, if you have a special day, you should celebrate the day for what it is, not treat it as just another day off.
