Op der Maierchen . Crossroads

Long ago, as the spirits and ghosts went out haunting and the lonely wanderer hurried home to his own hearth as soon as night fell, there were particular nights when the ghosts were free to do what they would with travelers. Such nights were Thomas’ Night, Matthew’s Night, New Year’s Eve and others besides. They were nights of ill luck, when ghosts demanded their sacrifices. Here at the crossroads on the “Meierchen”, the ghosts rode on goats in endless multitudes and woe betide the man who ventured out. That is, unless he sat under one of the crosses which stand by the wayside. Then they would have no power over him. Greg Spedener