{"id":27555,"date":"2025-08-05T13:21:47","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T11:21:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonnhof-ayurveda.at\/smudging-during-the-rauhnaechte-a-guide-and-cleansing-herbs\/"},"modified":"2026-10-28T19:32:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T18:32:43","slug":"smudging-during-the-rauhnaechte-a-guide-and-cleansing-herbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonnhof-ayurveda.at\/en\/general\/smudging-during-the-rauhnaechte-a-guide-and-cleansing-herbs\/","title":{"rendered":"Smudging During the Rauhn\u00e4chte: A Guide and Cleansing Herbs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Rau(h)n\u00e4chte and the smudging<\/strong> of homes and stables are an ancient custom that was widely known and practiced, but has increasingly fallen into oblivion today. While one might no longer necessarily try to ward off evil spirits, many still enjoy the relieving and cleansing effect of smudging their homes. <\/p>\n\n

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What and When Are the Rauhn\u00e4chte?<\/h2>\n\n

The 12 nights, known as the Rauhn\u00e4chte, typically begin on the holy night from December 24th to 25th and end on the night from January 4th to 5th<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

However, the exact dates are not entirely uniform, as the Rauhn\u00e4chte shift slightly from place to place. Most often, the night before Epiphany, i.e., the night from January 5th to 6th, concludes the Rauhn\u00e4chte. <\/p>\n\n

\"Rauhnächte<\/figure>\n\n

The 12 nights originally result from the difference between the lunar and solar year<\/strong>. While the moon has already orbited the Earth 12 times, the Earth still has 11 or 12 days left to complete one orbit around the sun. <\/p>\n\n

In addition, the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, takes place on December 21st or 22nd. The Rauhn\u00e4chte therefore represent the darkest time of the year.<\/strong> Some of these days partly fall on Portal Days<\/a> and thus carry particularly strong energies. <\/p>\n\n

According to ancient traditions, it was believed that during this time, the connection between the otherworld and this world is particularly permeable<\/strong>. Evil spirits and accumulated negative energies are then to be driven out of the house so that a fresh start can be made into the brighter season and the new year. One way to do this is by smudging the apartment and house. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Elisabeth<\/figure>
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\u201cSmudging during the Rauhn\u00e4chte is far more than a beautiful custom. Rituals like these consciously create space for cleansing, introspection, and new alignment.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Elisabeth Naschberger-Mauracher, European Ayurveda Expert & Managing Director of the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof in Tyrol<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Instructions for Smudging During the Rauhn\u00e4chte<\/h2>\n\n

These smudging instructions are also suitable for beginners<\/strong> and can be performed during the Rauhn\u00e4chte as well as when moving into a new home. We will explain step-by-step how the ritual works and what you need for smudging besides the incense bowls: <\/p>\n\n