Now it's here again, the darkest time of year: nature has retreated, the winter solstice marks the shortest day in the northern hemisphere and the calendar start of winter – a time of reflection, retreat and anticipation of the Christmas festival that is just around the corner.
The mysterious 12 nights – the so-called Rauhnächte (Twelve Days of Christmas) – are upon us, and many people are reflecting on the origins, rituals, and natural cycles of the year. In some cultures, the long winter nights were used for festivals and customs, such as the Nordic Yule festival, which symbolized the returning light and a fruitful new year.
What is the origin of the Twelve Days of Christmas?
These 12 nights originally date back to the time before the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, when the year was calculated according to the lunar calendar. Since the lunar year, with 354 days, is slightly shorter than the solar year, with 365 days, these 11 days and 12 nights were missing from the astronomically correct solar cycle, preventing the beginning of the new year. This is why the Twelve Days of Christmas are also called the "time between the years," the "timeless time," or the "inner nights." The first of these nights begins at midnight on December 24th, and the last ends at midnight on December 1st.
January 05th. Each of these nights represents a month of the year and invites us to look back and to take a look at what is to come.
Where does the name Rauhnächte (Twelve Days of Christmas) come from?
The origin of the name is not entirely clear: One derivation of the word Rauh certainly goes back to "ruch," which comes from smoke, to fumigation. It was an important custom at that time,
The practice of fumigating houses, farms, and barns to ward off evil spirits also refers to the practice of burning smoke. Furthermore, "ruch" also means hairy, referring to furry demons that roam at night. This tradition gave rise to the so-called Perchten runs in some Alpine regions, where the aim was to drive away winter and spirits with great noise.
What are the Rauhnächte (Twelve Days of Christmas) with their traditional rituals suitable for?
The mysterious time between Christmas and New Year's is a good time to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to turn inward, and to reflect on the past year. Burning incense, sage, or a bundle of herbs is one of the most important rituals of the Twelve Days of Christmas and helps to cleanse oneself of old burdens. Protective incense keeps you safe from negative influences.
Traditionally, the house should be tidy and no white laundry should be hung out, as evil spirits could become trapped in it. In a time when the connection between the worlds becomes more subtle and palpable, divination is an important part of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Perhaps you would like to keep a special journal for these twelve nights and record your dreams, thoughts, messages, wishes, and the weather to gain exciting insights.
To preserve the future. What will the weather be like in February? The second of the twelve nights of Christmas can provide valuable clues. Which dream was intense and stayed with you? What changes might be on the horizon?
Design your immersion experience in a completely individual way and consciously start the new year.
Book recommendations and suggestions
The book “Rauhnächte - the mysterious time between the years” by the free
Author and herbalist Elfie Courtenay's book, newly published by Heyne Verlag (ISBN: 978-3-453-70400-8), is an exceptional companion for these twelve magical nights. Lovingly and meticulously, traditions, ancient customs, and rituals offer insights into this "timeless time," and above all, Ms. Courtenay's extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs is woven throughout. A wonderful guide to creating your own unique experience of this special time.
