The Twelve Nights of Christmas (Rauhnaechte) - Rituals and Meaning of the 12 Magical Nights
The nights between Christmas and Epiphany on January 6th are also referred to as the Twelve Nights (“Rauhnaechte”). This period has always been considered a particularly magical and mysterious time. Many stories revolve around these days between the years, and some of the earlier Rauhnacht rituals are still present today. In recent times, the Twelve Nights are regaining significance and are used as a time for reflection and manifestation. In the days between the years, we can consciously take time to turn inward, bid farewell to the old year, and formulate our wishes for the new year.
What are the Twelve Nights?
The Twelve Nights, sometimes also called Smoky Nights or Whispering Nights, refer to the 12 nights between Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. The origin of the term "Rauhnacht" is not entirely clear. Some believe it comes from "rauh" (wild) or from "rauch" (smoke/incense). Others trace it back to the Middle High German word "rûch," meaning hairy or furry, referring to the hairy figures said to roam during this time. The Twelve Nights have their roots in Germanic and Celtic traditions. They provide an explanation for the difference between the Germanic lunar calendar with its 354 days and the Celtic solar calendar with its 365 days. The Celts added 11 extra days (and thus 12 nights) to the year to reconcile this difference. These days are practically "out of time" and do not actually exist. During this threshold time, the laws of nature are said to be suspended. It was believed that during this time, the boundary between our world and the Otherworld - the realm of ancestors, spirits, and the deceased - was thinner. This made the Twelve Nights an ideal time for divination and manifestation.
When do the Twelve Nights begin?
So, when do the Twelve Nights actually begin? The 12 holy nights are usually celebrated between Christmas Eve and the Feast of the Epiphany. They consist of the last 6 nights of the old year and the first 6 nights of the new year. The first Rauhnacht begins on the night of December 24th to 25th, and the last Rauhnacht takes place on the night of January 5th to 6th. Each Rauhnacht begins at midnight and ends at 11:59 PM of the following day. Traditionally, the Twelve Nights started with the Winter Solstice on December 21st. This longest night of the year is also referred to as Thomas Night or Rumbling Night.
Rituals for the Twelve Nights
There are all sorts of customs and rituals associated with the Twelve Nights. It is said that during these 12 nights, the gates to the Otherworld are wide open and that it is particularly easy to make contact with ancestors, angels, and deities. A ritual performed during the Twelve Nights is believed to be especially powerful and effective.
Predicting the Future During the Twelve Nights
The Twelve Nights encompass the entire upcoming year - each Rauhnacht represents a month of the new year. In ancient times, the nights between the years were used to glimpse into the future. An old Twelve Nights ritual, for example, involves observing the weather. It is believed that the weather of the first Rauhnacht corresponds to the weather of the coming January, the weather of the second Rauhnacht corresponds to February, and so on. Some also like to consult cards or runes for divination. Melting lead on New Year's Eve is still a popular ritual for year-end fortune-telling. Dream interpretation during the Twelve Nights is also thought to provide insights into the future. During the Twelve Nights, dreams are noted down each morning. These dreams are believed to reveal what will happen in the corresponding month of the new year.
Smudging During the Twelve Nights
The Twelve Nights are also a time for smudging. Smudging is believed to cleanse our environment and energy field, helping us let go of old issues to make room for the new. The choice of herbs and plants for smudging during the Twelve Nights is a matter of personal preference. In ancient times, incense was often used to drive away evil spirits. Nowadays, there are complete Twelve Nights sets with specially curated smudging blends. Whether you use resin incense, self-collected herbs, or ready-made sets is up to you. The most important thing is to trust your intuition when smudging during the Twelve Nights.
The Twelve Nights and the 13 Wishes
One of the most beloved Twelve Nights rituals is the one involving 13 wishes. At the beginning of the Twelve Nights, 13 wishes for the upcoming year are written on small pieces of paper, which are then folded and placed in a box or bag. Starting from December 24th, one paper is drawn each day and burned unopened in a fire bowl, with the knowledge that a higher power will take care of fulfilling this wish. At the end of the Twelve Nights, the 13th wish remains. According to tradition, you are responsible for fulfilling this wish yourself.
How Can You Make the Most of the Twelve Nights?
Even if you're not particularly spiritual and don't see yourself smudging or predicting the future during the Twelve Nights, you can still make use of this time for yourself. Traditionally, the focus of the Twelve Nights is on pausing, finding tranquility, and turning inward. How often do you truly take time for yourself in your everyday life? Nature sets the example: Just as trees shed their leaves and many animals retreat into hibernation, we too can withdraw to replenish our strength from within. A simple Twelve Nights ritual involves consciously taking time for yourself during these days. You can reflect on the past year and formulate your wishes and plans for the new year. Maybe you simply relax, read the book you've been meaning to read, take long walks in the forest, or start knitting?
Do you have a special Twelve Nights ritual? We wish you a beautiful, magical Twelve Nights!
The Author
Shirani is a yogi with heart and soul. She teaches various yoga courses in Cologne, runs our bodhi yoga studio and also writes the texts for Bodynova. For her, this is the perfect combination, as it allows her to bring together her great passions of yoga and writing. When she is not out in nature with her dog and camper, she also loves to sing.
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