Custom of Rauhnacht
Traditonal customs in Kaprun in Austria
There is a very special time in Pinzgau. Between December 25 and January 5, there are the smoke nights. Originally known as “Rauch nights”, these eleven days and twelve nights fill the gap between the lunar and the solar year. Also called bell nights, inner nights, or lower nights. According to popular belief, things do not go right in these nights.
At the Hotel Kaprunerhof, we cherish this custom as it connects us with our roots. While nature outside gathers its forces, we keep the traditions that make our homeland so unique. Come to rest as we together bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with incense and resins.
At the Hotel Kaprunerhof, we cherish this custom as it connects us with our roots. While nature outside gathers its forces, we keep the traditions that make our homeland so unique. Come to rest as we together bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with incense and resins.
The 4 Most Important Nights
- The Thomas Night on December 21
- The Christmas Night on December 24
- The New Year's Eve Night on December 31
- The Epiphany Night on January 5
Ancient Tradition
According to mythology, on such days the normal forces of nature take a back seat, and evil spirits awaken. For this reason, magical rituals are common in many cultures. Here in Pinzgau, these 12 nights are particularly significant according to tradition. During the Rauhnächte, evil spirits roam, hairy companions come to life, and people wander with smoke pans through their homes and yards. What is the meaning behind these traditions? We will explain it to you.
The four most important nights
Around the Kaprunerhof you will find routes that are as varied as our wine list:
- The Thomas Night (December 21):
Also the time of the winter solstice and the longest night of the year – this night was originally dedicated to the unbelieving Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus of Nazareth. - The Christmas Night (December 24):
On the so-called Vigil Night (vigil: to watch) of Christ's birth night - during this night, the midnight liturgy was prayed in the Catholic Christianity from midnight until the early morning hours. - The New Year's Eve (December 31):
New Year's Eve is the last day of the year, according to the Roman Catholic saint calendar, Pope Sylvester I († December 31, 335) is the saint of the day. - The Epiphany Night (January 5):
The Epiphany celebration, Epiphany day, or Theophany is today also referred to as “Great New Year.” In Austria, this day is also called the Christmas Twelfth (the 12th day after the 1st Christmas holiday). The festival is associated with the three wise men from the East (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar), and in the Eastern Churches, this is the day of the baptism of Christ and the revelation of the Most Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
Customs, Myths and Legends of the Rauhnacht tradition
Hanging laundry? Better not on Christmas and New Year's Eve!
According to tradition, especially on Christmas and New Year's Eve, laundry should not be left hanging overnight. For it might catch evil spirits and negative energies that can bring misfortune and make life harder in the coming year. But that's not so bad – Christmas and New Year's Eve can be used much better than washing laundry.
Perchten Runs during the Rauhnächte
Perchten are creepy figures, with fearsome masks, their bodies covered in fur costumes, who march through the villages with loud bell ringing and rods in their hands. According to popular belief, these terrifying figures drive away evil winter spirits. The Perchten also drive away the evil within people with a light hit from their rod – thus they are actually not monsters one should fear; they actually free one from evil spirits and bring luck with them.
Smudging the House and Yard
Smudging the house and property is also very popular during these days and nights. Families walk through their four walls and over the property with so-called “smudge pots” filled with incense or various garden herbs to clear out evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year into the house.
According to tradition, especially on Christmas and New Year's Eve, laundry should not be left hanging overnight. For it might catch evil spirits and negative energies that can bring misfortune and make life harder in the coming year. But that's not so bad – Christmas and New Year's Eve can be used much better than washing laundry.
Perchten Runs during the Rauhnächte
Perchten are creepy figures, with fearsome masks, their bodies covered in fur costumes, who march through the villages with loud bell ringing and rods in their hands. According to popular belief, these terrifying figures drive away evil winter spirits. The Perchten also drive away the evil within people with a light hit from their rod – thus they are actually not monsters one should fear; they actually free one from evil spirits and bring luck with them.
Smudging the House and Yard
Smudging the house and property is also very popular during these days and nights. Families walk through their four walls and over the property with so-called “smudge pots” filled with incense or various garden herbs to clear out evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year into the house.
„Spending the Rauhnächte at Kaprunerhof is something magical. You can feel that tradition here is not staged for tourists, but lived with genuine awareness. A great start to the new year!“
💡Excerpt from the tips from our guests
💡Excerpt from the tips from our guests
Time for new rituals?
Experience the turn of the year from its mystical side. Secure your room at the Hotel Kaprunerhof and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the Rauhnächte.