Rough Nights

Discover the mystery of the Rough Nights 2025/26 and dive into a time filled with myths, reflection, and new beginnings

Overview of Rough Nights 2025/26

Meaning of the Rough Nights

The term "Rough Nights" refers to the twelve nights from Christmas Eve on December 24th to the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6th.

Depending on the region and spelling, the Rough Nights are also called "Rauchnächte" or "Raunächte." The etymology of the term "Rough Night" is not definitively proven. Some speculate that the name comes from the Middle High German word "rûch," meaning "hairy/furry," referring to the furry beings active during this time, while others are certain that the name derives from "Rauh" (wild) or "Rauch/Räuchern" (smoke/smoking). The tradition of the Rough Nights is rooted in Germanic and Celtic customs. In ancient times, people oriented themselves by the lunar cycle. A lunar year, based on a month of 29.5 days, spanned 354 days, thus being shorter than the solar year with 365 days. To compensate for the missing 11 days and 12 nights, the Celts added 11 additional intercalary days to the year. These days are considered to be "outside normal time" and, in a sense, do not exist. During this interim period, natural laws do not apply, and the veil between our world and the Otherworld – the realm of the deceased, ancestors, and spirits – becomes thinner. Therefore, the Rough Nights are considered the perfect time for manifesting.

Traditionally, the Rough Nights begin on the night of December 24th to 25th and end on the night of January 5th to 6th. These 12 nights have symbolic significance, as each represents a month of the upcoming year and foretells events of each respective month.

For many, however, the magical time starts with the "Sperrnächte," which begin each year on December 8th and last until December 20th. They are seen as a kind of review of the past year. The Rough Nights traditionally commence on the night of December 21st to 22nd, also known as the Winter Solstice or Thomas Night, which is the longest and darkest night of the year.

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Do's & Don'ts during the Rough Nights

Do's

During the Rough Nights, there are many positive customs and activities traditionally practiced to bring luck, protection, and blessings for the coming year.

Here's a brief summary of things that can be done during the Rough Nights:

Rituals and Prayers:
Many people use the Rough Nights to perform rituals, prayers, or meditations. This can help set intentions and goals for the new year and experience spiritual renewal.
Divination and Fortune-Telling:
In some cultures, divination methods like Tarot card readings, using a pendulum, or reading coffee grounds are practiced during the Rough Nights to gain insights into the future.
Smudging:
Smudging with special herbs or resins is often carried out to dispel negative energies and promote positive vibrations.
Protection Rituals:
It's common to conduct protection rituals to safeguard the home and family from evil influences. This can include placing protective symbols or blessing the house.
Dream Journal:
Keeping a dream journal during the Rough Nights is often practiced to record dreams and visions. These can serve as guidance for the coming year.
Lighting Candles:
Lighting candles, especially in special colors or with specific scents, can bring positive energy and light into the darkness of the Rough Nights.

Don'ts

During the Rough Nights, there are various traditions that dictate what should be avoided or handled with extra caution. The customs of the Rough Nights are strongly influenced by regional traditions and personal beliefs. In some places, the time between the years was considered so dangerous that special rules were followed.

Here is a brief summary of what should not be done:

Working:
In some traditions, it is recommended to avoid heavy work or major projects during the Rough Nights.
Hanging Laundry:
Hanging laundry outdoors is avoided, as the Rough Nights are seen as a time when evil spirits or demons could be particularly active. It is believed they could contaminate the laundry.
Cutting Hair:
Cutting hair during the Rough Nights is avoided in some cultures, as it is considered bad luck or a bad omen.
Arguments and Negative Thoughts:
It is advised to be peaceful and positive during the Rough Nights, as negative energies should be avoided.
House Cleaning:
A thorough cleaning of the house is often conducted before the beginning of the Rough Nights to release old energies and make room for new ones. However, cleaning should not be done during the Rough Nights to not disturb the protective forces and energies.
Noise Disturbance:
In some traditions, it is recommended to avoid making loud noises or having parties at night, so as not to disturb or annoy the spirits.

The 12 Rough Nights

Nights and their monthly assignments

1. Rough Night

Datum
24. / 25. December

Monat

2. Rough Night

Datum
25. / 26. December

Monat
Februrary

3. Rough Night

Datum
26. / 27. December

Monat
March

4. Rough Night

Datum
27. / 28. December

Monat
April

5. Rough Night

Datum
28. / 29. December

Monat
May

6. Rough Night

Datum
29. / 30. December

Monat
June

7. Rough Night

Datum
30. / 31. December

Monat
July

8. Rough Night

Datum
31. Dez. / 1. January

Monat
August

9. Rough Night

Datum
1. / 2. January

Monat
September

10. Rough Night

Datum
2. / 3. January

Monat
October

11. Rough Night

Datum
3. / 4. January

Monat
November

12. Rough Night

Datum
4. / 5. January

Monat
December

Customs and Rituals

The 13 Wishes Ritual is perhaps the best-known and most mysterious of the Rough Nights rituals. This ritual is designed to help manifest wishes and goals for the coming year.

Here's how it works:

Preparation: Prepare 13 small pieces of paper.
Writing Wishes: Write down one wish for the coming year on each piece of paper. These can be personal goals, hopes, or dreams.
Beginning of the Ritual: The ritual typically begins on the first day of the Rough Nights, December 25th.
Daily Burning: Burn one of the papers each day, without looking at which wish it was. This symbolizes letting go and trusting that the universe or a higher power will fulfill your wish at the right time.
The Last Paper: The 13th paper is not burned. It should be opened on the last Rough Night. Thus, you have surrendered 12 of your 13 wishes. The last wish is for you to take care of yourself.

The 13 Wishes Ritual is a beautiful way to prepare for the new year and to become conscious of what you really desire. It is not just about fulfilling the wishes but also about the process of letting go and trusting in the future.

Smudging during the Rough Nights has deeply rooted traditions and meanings:

Expelling Evil Spirits and Demons: In old traditions, it was believed that during the Rough Nights, the boundary between the real world and the afterlife was especially thin. Smudging was intended to drive away evil spirits and demons that were particularly active during this time.
Purification and Protection: The smoke also had a purifying effect, both physically and spiritually. Smudging was used to cleanse homes and stables to ward off diseases and misfortune and to ask for protection for the coming year.
Traditional Herbs and Resins: Special herbs and resins were often used for smudging, varying depending on the region and often having special symbolic significance.

These customs are deeply embedded in European folklore, particularly in Germanic and Alpine cultures, reflecting the beliefs and culture of those times. They have been passed down from generation to generation and are still alive in some regions today.

What can I use for smudging?

You can choose whether you want to use a ready-made smudge stick (e.g., white sage or frankincense) or prefer to place a smudging mix on charcoal in a smudging bowl.

Here are some of the most common herbs used for smudging:

Frankincense is cleansing and blessing. It is often used to elevate spiritual energies and create a sacred atmosphere.
Sage is known for its strong cleansing effect. It is used to dispel negative energies and promote clarity.
Juniper is protective and cleansing. It is often used to dispel negative energies and draw a protective circle.

When should smudging be done:

December 21st/22nd (Thomas Night/Winter Solstice): This night is suitable for reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the new one. It is the longest and darkest night of the year.
December 24th/25th (Start of the Rough Nights): This night marks the beginning of the Rough Nights. Traditionally, the house is smudged on this night to protect it from negative influences.
December 31st/January 1st (End of the Year): This night, often celebrated as New Year's Eve, is a particularly important Rough Night. This time is often used to bid farewell to the old year, drive away negative energies, and welcome the new year.
January 5th/6th (End of the Rough Nights): This is the last night of the Rough Nights, also known as "Epiphany Night." Smudging on this night is done to ask for protection and blessings for the coming year.

Dreams can be particularly significant during the Rough Nights and can be interpreted as insights into your subconscious or even as harbingers of future events. Here are some steps you can follow for dream interpretation during the Rough Nights:

Keep a Dream Journal: Place your notebook beside your bed and write down as many details as possible about your dreams every morning immediately after waking up.
Recognize Symbols and Patterns: Pay attention to recurring symbols or patterns in your dreams during the Rough Nights. These could be clues to certain themes or messages.
Analyze Emotions: Consider your emotions and feelings regarding your dreams. Emotions can provide important clues on how to interpret the dreams.
Ask Questions: Before going to bed, you can ask specific questions or concerns about your life, your future, or your spiritual development.

Meditating during the Rough Nights can be especially profound and meaningful. Experiment with different meditation practices to find out which works best for you and brings you peace.

Here are some ideas for how to meditate during the Rough Nights:

Create a Quiet and Undisturbed Space: Find a place where you can meditate and relax without interruptions.
Light a Candle: Consider lighting a candle to create a special atmosphere.
Use Incense: Smudging with herbs, resins, or incense sticks can support your meditation and establish a spiritual connection.
Set a Clear Intention for Your Meditation: You can ask for guidance and clarity during the Rough Nights, or simply immerse yourself in silence to hear your inner wisdom.
Start Your Meditation with Conscious Breathing: Deep and slow inhalation and exhalation can help calm the mind and bring you into a meditative state.
Repeat Mantras or Affirmations: During your meditation, repeating mantras or affirmations that are meaningful to you can help focus on your theme or intention.
Meditate in Silence: You can also meditate in silence without any specific techniques. Let your thoughts settle.
Or Take a Rough Nights Course: Consider booking a Rough Nights course of your choice and participate in a guided meditation there.

Using Tarot cards is a popular method to gain insights into future events. During the Rough Nights, you can draw a Tarot card or use a complete deck to explore your fate. Special oracle card sets for the Rough Nights often contain messages and symbols that are aligned with this magical time.

Guide to the Rough Nights

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Rough Nights

The Rauhnächte also known as the Twelve Sacred Nights, are a mystical and transitional period that traditionally spans from the night of December 24 to January 6. This time has deep roots in European folklore and was considered a liminal phase in which the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds becomes thinner. It's a time associated with introspection, ritual, and spiritual guidance.

The name Rauhnächte is thought to derive either from the German word - rau(h) - (meaning rough or hairy) - possibly referring to wild, beast-like spirits of old legends - or from Räuchern, which means to smoke or smudge. Traditionally, people would burn herbs and resins to cleanse their homes and drive away negative energies during these nights.

Each of the twelve nights is believed to correspond to a specific month of the coming year. For example, the first night stands for January, the second for February, and so on. The dreams, signs, and thoughts you have during each of these nights are seen as symbolic or prophetic messages for that month.

In modern times, the Rauhnächte are being rediscovered by people seeking spiritual depth, personal reflection, and connection to the rhythms of nature. It's a time to slow down after the holidays, turn inward, and let go of the past in order to set meaningful intentions for the future. Journaling, dreamwork, meditation, and candle rituals are just some of the practices people use to mark these special nights.

Whether approached from a folkloric, spiritual, or psychological perspective, the Rauhnächte offer a powerful opportunity to connect with the unseen, listen within, and prepare consciously for the year ahead.

Both spellings, - Raunacht - and - Rauhnacht - are used in German and considered correct, though Rauhnacht is more widespread in contemporary use. The origin of the term is somewhat unclear, and that may be why variations exist.

One theory traces the word back to rauch or räuchern meaning smoke or smudging. This relates to the ancient custom of burning herbs or resins to purify homes and ward off spirits during the twelve nights. Another interpretation links it to the word rau or rauh meaning rough or hairy, pointing to the wild, beastly figures in folklore-like Perchten or the Wild Hunt-that were believed to roam the land during this time.

Both spellings evoke deep-rooted mythologies and customs, and the difference is mostly regional or stylistic. In Austria and parts of Southern Germany, Raunacht is often used, where as Rauhnacht dominates in Northern and Western German-speaking areas, as well as in spiritual literature.

For English texts, “Rauhnächte” has increasingly become the standard transliteration, especially in spiritual and wellness communities. Whichever version you use, the meaning remains the same: it's a sacred, magical period filled with symbolism and ritual.

So don't worry too much about the “correct” spelling-what's more important is the intention and awareness you bring into this powerful time.

The 12 Rauhnächte, also known as the Twelve Sacred Nights, are believed to represent the twelve months of the coming year. Each night-starting around December 24 or 25-corresponds symbolically to a specific month: the first night to January, the second to February, and so on until the twelfth night, which represents December of the following year.

People traditionally pay close attention to dreams, emotions, signs, and even the weather during each Rauhnacht, interpreting these as foreshadowing events or energies for the matching month. For example, a peaceful and joyful dream on the third night might indicate a calm and harmonious March.

This symbolic connection allows people to read the upcoming year through spiritual reflection, intuition, and inner guidance. Many keep a Rauhnächte journal to write down what they observe each night. These notes can later be revisited throughout the year for insights and alignment.

Beyond the calendar symbolism, the 12 nights are also seen as a period of spiritual cleansing, intention setting, and connecting to ancestral wisdom. By consciously observing each night, people align themselves more intentionally with the cycles of nature and time.

In 2025, the Rauhnächte traditionally begin on the night of December 24 and end on the night of January 5, with January 6 (Epiphany) often seen as the conclusion and time of reflection.

Some traditions-especially in Central Europe-start counting from December 25, making the first Rauhnacht the night of Christmas. Others begin on December 21, the Winter Solstice, and extend the period accordingly. However, the 24 December to 6 January window remains the most commonly accepted and practiced version.

Each of the 12 nights between these dates represents a month of the coming year, so participants will often perform small rituals, journal, observe dreams, or practice intentional silence each night to receive insights for each corresponding month.

The nights are seen as a threshold between the old and new year-a time outside of time. Many people pause from daily routines to make room for introspection and spiritual connection during this phase.

For 2024-2025, here's a simplified list:

Dec 24 → Jan (1st night)
Dec 25 → Feb (2nd night)
...
Jan 4 → Dec (12th night)
Jan 5-6 → Integration and closing

The Rauhnächte traditionally last for 12 nights and 13 days, starting on December 24 and ending on January 6. Each night is said to correspond to one of the twelve months of the upcoming year. For instance, the first Rauhnacht represents January, the second February, and so on.

Here's a general overview:

1st Night (Dec 24): January - Foundations and new beginnings
2nd Night: February - Inner peace and intuition
3rd Night: March - Courage and self-expression
4th Night: April - Healing and growth
5th Night: May - Joy and abundance
6th Night: June - Relationships and harmony
7th Night: July - Power and transformation
8th Night: August - Clarity and truth
9th Night: September - Gratitude and learning
10th Night: October - Letting go and reflection
11th Night: November - Mystery and depth
12th Night: December - Completion and wisdom

Each night is an invitation to reflect, observe your dreams, set intentions, and release old patterns. Many people also add a 13th day (Jan 6) as a summary or review day, connecting the spiritual messages as a whole.

To know which Rauhnacht it is today, start counting from the night of December 24 to 25. That night represents the first Rauhnacht, symbolising the month of January. The next night (Dec 25 to 26) stands for February, and so on, ending with the night of January 4 to 5, which corresponds to December of the coming year.

Here's a quick reference:

Dec 24-25 → January
Dec 25-26 → February
Dec 26-27 → March
Dec 27-28 → April
Dec 28-29 → May
Dec 29-30 → June
Dec 30-31 → July
Dec 31-Jan 1 → August
Jan 1-2 → September
Jan 2-3 → October
Jan 3-4 → November
Jan 4-5 → December
Jan 6 → Integration / Closing

To stay organised, many people use a printed Rauhnächte calendar, a special journal, or even a mobile reminder system. You might also prepare daily prompts or themed cards that guide you through each night.

Keeping track is not about pressure, but about presence. Whether you spend 10 minutes or an hour each night, tuning in to the energy and writing down your experiences makes the process meaningful and memorable.

Preparing for the Rauhnächte means creating physical, mental, and emotional space for a spiritual transition. It's less about perfection and more about intention.

Here are key preparation steps:

Clear your space: Clean your home before December 24. Let go of clutter and unfinished business.
Reflect: Write down what you want to leave behind from the past year - habits, fears, regrets.
Gather tools: Prepare a journal, candles, incense, a blanket, oracle cards, or any spiritual tools you enjoy.
Mark your calendar: Set aside quiet time each evening between December 24 and January 5.
Optional rituals include setting up a small altar, preparing herbal teas, or printing 13 small wish notes - one for each night, with the last one symbolising what you must manifest on your own.

In essence, you are clearing the path so that intuition, insight, and clarity can enter. The Rauhnächte are a portal for listening inwardly, and preparing in advance allows you to step into that space with calm and focus.

People use the Rauhnächte for spiritual reflection, ritual, and intention-setting. Activities vary depending on personal beliefs and traditions, but common practices include:

Journaling: Write about your day, dreams, feelings, and intuitions.
Dreamwork: Keep a dream journal and look for symbolic patterns.
Candle or incense rituals: Light a candle or smudge with herbs to symbolise cleansing and insight.
Pulling cards: Use oracle or tarot decks to receive messages for each month.
Meditation: Spend time in silence or with guided meditations.
Writing intentions: Write down what you want to invite in each month.
Some also observe silence for parts of the day or go offline to deepen their presence. What matters most is the conscious slowing down and honouring this time outside of time.

The Rauhnächte are not a checklist, but a sacred container for stillness and clarity. Whatever ritual you choose, make it meaningful and aligned with your inner rhythm.

Incense or smudging is traditionally done every night during the Rauhnächte, usually in the evening or before going to bed. The ritual involves burning sacred herbs or resins to cleanse the energy of your home and invite peace, clarity, and spiritual presence.

Here's how you can do it:

Choose your herbs or blends: Common options include mugwort (cleansing), frankincense (divine connection), pine (grounding), lavender (calm), or a custom Rauhnächte mix.
Light a charcoal disc or smudge stick.
Walk slowly through each room while focusing on your intention (e.g. letting go, clarity, protection).
Visualise negative energy dissolving and blessings filling the space.
Open a window afterwards to release the smoke.
Some people smudge only on the first, sixth, and last night, while others do it daily. There's no strict rule-follow your intuition.

This simple act connects you with ancient traditions and creates a clean, sacred space to reflect and dream.

What you should do:

Reflect on the past and set intentions for the future.
Record your dreams and emotions.
Spend time in silence or nature.
Honour your intuition and rest deeply.
Light candles and use incense or herbs to purify your space.

What to avoid:

Cleaning, washing clothes, or sewing (traditionally believed to disturb spiritual energies).
Engaging in conflict or negativity.
Making impulsive decisions or starting new major projects.
Being overly busy or distracted.
The idea is not superstition but mindful living. By avoiding routine habits and creating space for quiet, you allow deeper insights and symbolic guidance to emerge.

The Rauhnächte are about turning inward. Let go of external pressure and embrace stillness, observation, and intention.

This tradition comes from ancient beliefs that the veil between worlds is thinner during the Rauhnächte. Actions like washing clothes or cleaning the house were thought to “stir up” spirits, interrupt the sacred silence, or entangle the threads of fate.

For example, it was believed that hanging wet laundry might tempt or offend passing souls or ancestors, or that sweeping could remove blessings or stir misfortune.

In modern terms, these prohibitions can be seen as metaphors. They remind us to pause from routine, allow energy to settle, and treat this time as sacred. It's about stepping out of control mode and embracing receptivity.

So while it's not dangerous to do laundry during this time, choosing not to becomes a conscious ritual of slowing down and aligning with inner rhythms.

Your notes from the Rauhnächte are like spiritual blueprints for the year ahead. Each entry carries insight, energy, and subtle messages linked to the corresponding month.

After January 6, you can:

Review each entry monthly to reconnect with your guidance.
Highlight recurring themes to track personal growth.
Create affirmations or intentions based on what came up.
Turn your journal into a vision board, blog series, or creative project.
Keep everything private, treating it like a sacred text.
The key is to honour what came through. You don't need to interpret every symbol immediately-some insights unfold gradually throughout the year.

Your journal becomes a companion on your journey, reminding you that you began this cycle with presence and purpose.

What are the Rauhnächte and where do they come from? //

Raunacht or Rauhnacht - which spelling is correct? //

So don't worry too much about the “correct” spelling-what's more important is the intention and awareness you bring into this powerful time.

What do the 12 Rauhnächte represent? //

When do the Rauhnächte start and end in 2025? //