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From December 25 to January 6 is the mystical and mysterious time of the Rauhnächte. During these spiritual nights, predictions and forecasts are made about the future, which are carried over to the coming year. There are also many cleansing rituals to rid yourself and your surroundings of negative energies. So you can start the new year fresh! You can find out how these customs work, what the 12 nights actually mean and much more in this article.
With natural methods, such as the individual spagyric mixtures from Zimply Natural, your complaints can be relieved naturally and sustainably.
Table of contents
- What are the Rauhnächte?
- What is the historical background to the Rauhnächte?
- These cultural customs are practiced during the Rauhnächte
- What are the 12 nights all about?
- What is the significance of protection and purification during the Holy Nights?
- These natural approaches will help you cleanse during the nights of smoke
- These medicinal plants can act as energy boosters during the nights of smoke
- Zimply Natural - your natural booster during the smoking nights
- FAQ: Questions and answers about Rauhnächte
What are the Rauhnächte
The Rauhnächte refer to the nights from December 25 to January 6. This is traditionally 12 nights, starting with the night of Christmas Eve and ending on Epiphany. Are you wondering where the term "Rauhnächte" actually comes from? It comes from the Old High German word "rûch", which means rough or wild. The term "Rauhnächte" is therefore intended to reflect the special atmosphere of these nights. But what makes the Rauhnächte so special? In many European cultures, the nights are regarded as very mystical and spiritual. This is because the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds become blurred during these 12 nights. The veil between the worlds is said to become thinner and the spiritual powers stronger. Almost all cultures celebrate the nights differently and have their own rituals and beliefs. Some believe, for example, that the future can be predicted and prophecies made through the Rauhnächte. But how did the practices of the Rauhnächte come about?
That it was believed that the behavior of animals during the Rauhnächte could predict future events?
For example, if hens laid eggs during this time, this was interpreted as a good omen for the coming harvest.
What is the historical background to the Rauhnächte?
The history of the Rauhnächte dates back to pre-Christian times. In many European cultures, the time was already regarded as a magical time. This is because it lies at the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year and marks the transition from one cycle to the next. The meaning of the Rauhnächte is complex and has been shaped by various cultural and religious influences. According to Germanic and Celtic traditions, the natural order was disturbed during the 12 nights. The boundaries between the world of humans and the world of spirits became blurred, making the nights very restless. According to the myths, the spirits of the deceased and other supernatural beings such as fairies and demons walked around during the Rauhnächte. Pagan rituals included burning incense in houses, performing purification rituals and lighting fires. With Christianization, the customs were often integrated into Christian celebrations. These include Christmas and Epiphany.
These cultural customs are practiced during the Rauhnächte
The customs and rituals are very diverse and vary according to culture and tradition. To this day, a lot of customs still have an important meaning for many people. They bring the possibility of a sense of community and often have a symbolic or sentimental meaning.
Incense, cleansing and protective rituals
Incense burning is probably one of the best-known traditions of the Rauhnächte. It is used to dispel negative energies and cleanse the house for the coming year. Common herbs for this are frankincense, mugwort or juniper. If cleansing through incense is not enough for you, you can also secure your home with protective rituals. These protect your home from evil spirits and can keep them away. Some rituals for this include hanging protective symbols, blessed herbs or other talismans on doors and windows. To appease the spirits, some cultures have also introduced the giving of sacrifices. These can be food or gifts from nature. This is how the favor of the spirits is said to have been obtained in the past.
Predictions of the future, masks and calm
Predictions and forecasts were and still are an important part of the Rauhnächte. Even back then, people practiced fortune-telling, dream interpretation and oracles to obtain clues for the coming year. During the 12 days, attention was paid to certain events and these were transferred to the future. The weather in particular was of great importance during the Rauhnächte. Every night, the weather conditions were observed and interpreted. The twelve nights were transferred to the 12 months of the year and predictions were made for each month. There were also certain community rituals and celebrations where people gathered together to eat, dance and tell stories. On the other hand, silence and tranquillity were also a custom during the Raunächte. Rue was preserved and loud noises and activities were avoided. The time was used for reflection and inner contemplation. Masks were worn to ward off evil spirits.
That in some regions more than 12 nights were celebrated as Rauhnächte?
The range here is from 13 to 20 nights.
What are the 12 nights all about?
In fact, there are an incredible number of different interpretations and meanings of the individual Rauhnächte. However, there are some general interpretations that you can use as a guide. They certainly do not apply to all cultures, but to give you an overview, we have listed them below.
December 25 - 28
December 25 (Christmas Eve/Christmas): This first night is seen as a symbol of January and is often seen as a time of new beginnings. It is a time for blessings and protection as well as setting good resolutions for the coming year.
December 26 (St. Stephen's Day/2nd Rauhnacht): This night is associated with February and is often seen as a time for friendship, love and interpersonal relationships.
December 27 (3rd Rauhnacht): Here, the night stands for March. In keeping with the month, it symbolizes the awakening of nature, growth and development. You could also try to make plans and ideas for the future here.
December 28 (4th Rauhnacht): This night represents April and often stands for renewal, cleansing and letting go of old burdens or negativity.
December 29 - 31
December 29 (5th Rauhnacht): This night is associated with May and could be a time for growth, creativity and fertility. This can be understood in both a spiritual and physical sense.
December 30 (6th Rauhnacht): As this night represents June, it is often seen as a time of abundance, harvest and prosperity.
December 31 (New Year's Eve/7th Rauhnacht): This Rauhnacht represents July and stands for celebration, happiness and community. It could symbolize both a time for cleansing and protection from negative energies.
January
January 1 (New Year/8th Rauhnacht): This night is associated with the 8th month, i.e. August. It often stands for wisdom, spiritual growth and self-reflection.
2. January (9th Rauhnacht): Just like the change of seasons in September, this night could stand for change, transformation and transitions.
January 3 (10th Rauhnacht): October is represented by this Rauhnacht. It can therefore be associated with harvest, gratitude and preparation for winter.
January 4 (11th Rauhnacht): This night of smoke is associated with November and stands for a time of healing, introspection and remembrance of the deceased.
January 5 (eve of Epiphany/12th Rauhnacht): The last night symbolizes December and is often seen as a time of completion, closure and preparation for a new cycle.
What is the significance of protection and purification during the Holy Nights?
As it is believed that negative energies or evil spirits can move around more freely during the Rough Nights, protecting and cleansing them is all the more important. These rituals are often practiced regularly to protect oneself, the family or the home from negative influences. The cleansing is often intended to prepare for the new year and enable a fresh start. This also includes spiritual cleansing, as cleansing rituals can potentially free you from mental and spiritual baggage. Protective symbols and incense can protect you from illness, misfortune or other misfortunes in the coming year. Another great advantage of cleansing rituals is that they are often seen as a community custom. This can strengthen the bond within a community or family. In addition, purification creates a positive atmosphere, which is essential for spiritual practices. As a result, other practices such as divination or meditation can be carried out during the Rauhnächte.
The application of your Rough nights-Sprays is, by the way, very simple: The spray is simply sprayed into the mouth according to the dosage instructions given on the vial. In order to achieve the best possible effect and to be able to optimally counteract the causes, we recommend use over a longer period of six to eight weeks. As a kind of cure, you spray 3×3 sprays daily.
These natural approaches will help you cleanse during the nights of smoke
Incense and candle magic
Incense burning is of course one of the most widespread customs during the Holy Nights. But this ritual is not only popular during the Holy Nights. Nowadays, you can find the popular incense sticks in many homes. In the past, however, herbs such as sage, mugwort, juniper or frankincense were burned to spread the smoke around the house. The smoke was supposed to dispel negative energies and purify the room. You may be pleased to hear the next tip, because lighting candles can also help to cleanse. There are even special cleansing and protective candles for this purpose. Alternatively, you can simply use candles with certain scents or colors that symbolize purification for you. Then light the candles and set positive intentions for the coming year. Ringing bells and using singing bowls can also help you to dispel negative energy. You could also try chanting mantras or spiritual songs.
Meditation and self-care
Cleaning your body is of course just as important as cleaning your home. Meditation can help you with this. Sit in Meditation and let everything negative and past flow out of you. What is past is past and can no longer be changed. So let it go. While meditating, you can try to visualize a radiant, bright light that permeates you and washes away everything negative and burdensome. Your own cleansing can also be supported by spiritual baths and showers. Run yourself a nice bath, light candles and feel all the stress and negativity leave you. Finally, you can reflect on the year and yourself. Then write down all the stressful and negative things on pieces of paper and burn them as a symbolic act of letting go and starting afresh.
That although the custom of the Rauhnächte has fallen into oblivion over time, more and more people are now practicing it again?
The old rituals are being rediscovered or adapted to modern beliefs.
These medicinal plants can act as energy boosters during the nights of smoke
One thing you don't need at all at the turn of the year is stress. The Taiga root helps the body to reduce stress at such times and arm it against tension. Not only that: the medicinal plant helps the body to become more resilient not only on a physical but also on a mental level. Taiga root also has an immune-strengthening and invigorating effect.
The Rauhnächte and the turn of the year represent a time of change and rethinking for many people. The Lemon balm can support this with its calming effect and help to process the past. It is often associated with joie de vivre and the light and is therefore just right during the nights of smoke. Lemon balm also supports your body in the fight against cramps and flatulence and has an antiviral and nerve-strengthening effect.
Everyone has their own problems that they have to deal with and that Damask rose can provide support here. It can help people feel good again and get over the past. Its effect on the body can be relaxing and softening. It can also help the body to heal injuries. Skin scars are softened and integrated as well as possible into the rest of the tissue and emotional scars can also heal better.
Already in the Middle Ages the Angelica was used as a remedy and was considered a miracle plant against the plague. During the nights of smoke, people want to cleanse and heal their bodies and angelica is just right for this. It has an antimicrobial effect and strengthens the stomach. It stimulates the production of stomach acid and thus strengthens the stomach. Angelica can also help with intestinal problems, as it promotes bile flow and allows bile to flow again. Digestion functions better again and the intestines calm down.
Zimply Natural - your natural booster during the smoking nights
With Zimply Natural, we are the antidote to painkillers, sleeping pills, and standard medications. We are your medicine! For our mixtures we use the centuries-old natural healing method of spagyric back. The Spagyric combines the herbal active ingredients and phytotherapeutic elements of the HealingplantsThe mineral salt qualities, as well as the subtle information of the medicinal plants and the energetic potential of the Bach flowers.
With natural methods, such as the individual spagyric mixtures from Zimply Natural, your complaints can be relieved naturally and sustainably.
FAQ: Questions and answers about Rauhnächte
Which exercises or meditations are suitable during the Rauhnächte?
In general, meditation is a very good mindfulness exercise during the Rough Nights. During the exercises, try to calm your mind and be present in the here and now. Observe your thoughts and let them pass by like clouds without holding on to them. You can also try visualization meditation. For example, you can imagine a bright, cleansing light that permeates your body and your surroundings. It can wash away negative energies and blockages and make room for lots of positive things. In addition to these methods, meditations for cleansing, gratitude or sound meditation are also tried and tested rituals. Chakra meditation, in which you focus on your energy centers, is also definitely worth a try!
Do all countries celebrate the Rauhnächte differently?
In Germany, pewter pouring is generally a very popular ritual on New Year's Eve. Pewter is melted and then poured into cold water. This creates figures, which are then interpreted to make predictions for the coming year. In parts of Finland, especially in Lapland, candles are placed in blocks of ice and then lit. The flowing flame is then seen as a symbol of the coming year. In England, apples are still peeled during the rough nights in some regions. The peels are thrown over the shoulder and the resulting shape of the peel is said to reveal the first letter of the future spouse. In Austria and some parts of Germany, Epiphany singing and the Perchtenlauf are held. Children run from house to house on Epiphany, sing songs and write the blessing "20*C+M+B+22" in chalk on doors. During the Perchtenlauf, masked figures parade through the streets in loud and wild processions to drive away evil spirits.
