As for this wild story, is any of it based on reality?
Walpurgis Night does fall on April 30, and it is associated with witches and the raising of demons, but also with Saint Walburga, whose feast day is May 1. This odd mix was probably an attempt by the Christian church to appropriate a pagan festivity and make it harmless, as in blending Yule, the winter festival of light, with Christmas, and Samhain’s Night with All Hallows’ Eve—or Halloween.
However, as best we know, Saint Walburga did exist. She was an English princess of the eighth century who became a powerful nun, known for her learning, purity, and piety.
Ascension Day did fall on April 30 in 1573, 1668, and 1761. It happened again in 1818. I can’t find a date when it will next occur. If this story were true, that would be rather ominous.
The calendar change really happened in 1752 to correct accumulated errors, and people really did feel that days had been stolen from them.
Apart from the above facts, this story, the location, and the customs described are complete invention. I hope you’ve enjoyed it.
There’s a complete list of my published work on my Web site at http://www.jobev.com/booklist.html. There are also some pieces of free fiction on the site, at http://www.jobev.com/miscwrit.html.
Nearly every page of my Web site has a place to sign up for my occasional newsletter, which will mean you won’t miss news of any new or reissued books, and I have an author page on Facebook. I enjoy hearing from my readers at jo@jobev.com, though sometimes I’m too lost in a book to reply promptly.
All best wishes, and happy reading always!
Jo
About the Author
Jo Beverley is widely regarded as one of the most talented romance writers today. She is a New York Times bestseller, five-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s cherished RITA Award, and one of only a handful of members of the RWA Hall of Fame. She has also twice received the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She has two grown sons and lives with her husband in England. You can visit her Web site at www.jobev.com.
Also By Jo Beverley
REGENCY
THE ROGUE’S WORLD
Lady Beware
To Rescue a Rogue
The Rogue’s Return
Skylark
St. Raven
Hazard
“The Demon’s Mistress” in In Praise of Younger Men
The Devil’s Heiress
The Dragon’s Bride
Three Heroes (Omnibus Edition)
Forbidden Magic
Lovers and Ladies (Omnibus Edition)
THE MALLOREN WORLD
The Secret Wedding
A Lady’s Secret
A Most Unsuitable Man
Winter Fire
Devilish
Secrets of the Night
Something Wicked
My Lady Notorious
MEDIEVAL ROMANCES
Dark Champion
Lord of My Heart
ANTHOLOGIES
“The Dragon and the Virgin Princess” in
Dragon Lovers
“The Trouble with Heroes” in
Irresistible Forces