Rauhnachte or Twelve Days of Christmas

Rauhnachte means Smoke night. Rauch (rouw)= smoke, nachte (nickta)= night. It is a tradition that has its roots from the time of the Celtic and Germanic tribes. Today, it begins December 24^th in southern Bavaria, the date may be different in different places and regions based on regional traditions. The ancient tribes used the moon and sun to track the year, so the Solstice was most likely the time to begin the Rauhnachte. In some places the Rauhnachte period was considered the thirteenth month as it was a liminal time, in the darkness of the year, a time of contemplation and planning. It is a widespread tradition to smoke cleanse the house during this time. People did that and still do it with all kinds of herbs, many pertaining to the season, like pine, cedar, and juniper. In the past it was to expel evil spirits and today it is a cleansing of the house of negative energies and old energies to purify and freshen the home. After cleansing the house clockwise, from front door to front door, the custom is to open a window or door and let in the fresh air to help let out all those old energies along with the smoke to bring in new freshness and purity. Light a candle and contemplate the releasing of the old and bringing in the clean and new energies. It will be chilly but you can always make some mulled cider or wine to warm you up when you're finished. See Recipe below. 

The Rauhnachte is a time of introspection, reflection, and preparation for the coming year. Each of the twelve days stands for 1 month in the new year. So, Dec 25th represents January, December 26^th February and so on. There are lots of oracle and divination practices traditionally practiced during this time. Be creative, you could make a wheel of the year or use your calendar and draw or write down things you wish to work on throughout the year as well as use oracle or tarot to give you insights and direction into the coming months.

Below is a free Download of a worksheet journal you may use to engage in this practice for the new year.

Click Here to download your Rauhnichte Journal Sheet PDF.

Herbs & Arts Mulled Wine Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 medium orange, sliced
• 2-4 tbsp sweetener (sugar, or honey)
• 1 - 2 Tablespoons of Herbs & Arts Mulling Spice Mix from our store.
• Optional: 1/4 cup brandy
• Optional garnishes: orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, pomegranate berries 

Instructions

1. Combine: Mix wine, orange slices, sweetener, mulling spice mix to Muslin tea bag provided in package, and add optional brandy in a large saucepan.
2. Heat: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring until the sweetener dissolves. Heat until steaming with small bubbles forming at the edges, but do not boil.
3. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and steep for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors before serving.
4. Serve: Strain the wine to remove solids, then ladle into mugs.
5. Garnish: Add optional garnishes before serving warm
6. Clear glasses designed for warm beverages are best for aesthetic enjoyment.

 

Non-Alcoholic Warm Mulled Pomegranate Juice

Ingredients:

500ml pomegranate juice

25g sugar

Handful of Fresh Pomegranate Berries

250ml white grape juice

1 – 2 Tablespoons of Herbs & Arts Mulled Wine Spice Mix

1 orange, sliced

Instructions: Put the pomegranate juice, sugar, white grape juice in a saucepan. Add the muslin bag with the Herbs and Arts Mulled Wine Spice Mix tied closed, and the orange. Heat gently until it simmers, reduce heat to low and steep for 15-20 minutes then serve. Add a few Pomegranate berries to each glass.