The Rauhnächte

 December 26th: The Beginning of the Sacred Period

The night of December 26th, known as Stephanstag (St. Stephen’s Day), is when the Rauhnächte begin. It is the first of the twelve nights that hold special significance in folk tradition, marking the time when the spirit world is most active. The air is still, the world is often blanketed in snow, and the darkness of the winter solstice has fully taken hold. In this quiet, solemn moment, people would pause and turn inward, preparing for the journey through the Rauhnächte. For centuries, this time has been seen as a moment of spiritual renewal and reflection. As the longest nights of the year, the Rauhnächte were considered a time when the past and future could be glimpsed, when the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. On the evening of the 26th, people knew that the spirit world could pass into the physical world, and the living could communicate with ancestors, spirits, and even glimpse the future.

The Rituals of Protection: Räuchern

One of the central rituals on the first night of the Rauhnächte is the practice of räuchern, or burning sacred herbs and incense. The purpose of this ritual was to purify the home and protect it from harmful spirits or negative energies. The act of räuchern is believed to clear the air and set a spiritual tone for the upcoming nights. Especially pine, juniper, and sage were commonly burned to create a cleansing smoke that would fill the home, sweeping away the old year and creating space for the new. The räuchern was a crucial step to make sure that the household remained protected from the darker spirits that might roam the world during the Rauhnächte. These spirits, both helpful and mischievous, were believed to have the ability to influence the year ahead, so it was important to ensure that the home was spiritually clear and safeguarded. It wasn’t just about clearing the air of smoke—it was a symbolic cleansing of the spirit and the soul.

The Silence of the Laundering

On the first night of the Rauhnächte, people also followed the tradition of not washing clothes. This practice may seem strange today, but it was rooted in ancient beliefs about the power of the Rauhnächte. People believed that washing clothes during this sacred time could invite the spirits into the fabric, thus leaving traces of the spiritual realm on the garments. In some regions, it was even thought that doing laundry during this time would bring misfortune or bad luck.

A Time for Reflection and Divination

The first night of the Rauhnächte was also considered a time to look forward to the future. Divination and fortune-telling were common practices during these twelve nights, with the 26th of December seen as the first opportunity to glimpse the year ahead. The spirits were believed to be especially close during this time, and it was thought that answers to important questions could be received in dreams or through ritual. People would gather around the fire and listen to stories of the past, allowing the wisdom of the old world to guide them into the future. Some would dream divination, going to bed with the intent of receiving a vision or guidance. Others would engage in practices like reading runes, reading cards, or consulting the stars to get a sense of what the future held. The first night was a key time for these practices, as it was believed that the spirits were most willing to reveal secrets during this sacred period.

The Wild Spirits and the Beasts of the Night

But the Rauhnächte were not just about protection, purification, and divination. The first night was also a time when the wild spirits and beasts of folklore would roam the land. The Krampus, a fearsome figure from Alpine folklore, was said to be active during these nights, punishing those who had been unruly throughout the year. It was said that Krampus would appear on the first night to remind people that both good and evil must be acknowledged and respected. In other regions, the Perchten, mysterious half-human, half-beast figures, were said to appear. These spirits of the mountains represented the untamed forces of nature, and their wild dances through the streets were both a way to scare away evil spirits and a celebration of the primal energies that would soon give way to the rebirth of the sun. The Rauhnächte were a time when the boundary between the tame and the wild was especially fluid, and the people embraced both aspects of existence—light and dark, order and chaos.

New Year’s Eve: Noise to Chase Away Spirits

On New Year’s Eve, a key night of the Rauhnächte, noise-making becomes both celebration and protection. Bells, fireworks, and shouts fill the air to drive away lingering malevolent spirits and invite positive energies into the year ahead. This tradition is more than festive—it symbolizes the shift from darkness to renewal. Through joyful noise, families and communities strengthen their bonds and honor the old wisdom of safeguarding their homes and spirits as the new year begins.

The Beginning of the Journey

On the night of December 26th, the first night of the Rauhnächte, families and friends would gather to face the unknown forces of the coming twelve nights together. It was believed that the dark spirits who roamed during this time could only be fought with spirits—strong liquors like vodka—which were thought to provide an inner warmth, fortifying the body and spirit. This warmth was not just physical, but also spiritual, creating a protective barrier against the shadows that lurked in the night. As they drank, shared stories, and laughed, they strengthened the bond between them, preparing for the challenges and mysteries ahead. (read also about Vampires & Vodka)

May the warmth of togetherness guide you through the Rauhnächte, bringing strength and protection into the new year.