Enchanted Raunächte and magical three kings

The time around Christmas and the first days of January is a special, magically cloudy one, and is known by various names. Raunächte is one of them, but also Rauchnächte or the "Zwölften". As is so often the case with customs, the time frame can vary from region to region, but the 25 December (Feast of the Nativity of Christ) has usually been established as the beginning and Epiphany on 6 January (Feast of the Apparition of the Lord) as its end. There are also different views on the origin of the word. 'Raunächte' could go back to wandering demons, i.e. rough figures, because it was believed that during these night hours the border to the shadow world would become permeable and evil spirits or souls of the deceased could roam around and cause mischief. The word 'rau' goes back to the Middle High German meaning for "haarig" (hairy"), as the rough, frightening figures had camouflaged themselves with fur and pelt. In addition, cattle stables were traditionally fumigated with incense at this time and intercessions were made against evil. Nobody liked to spend this time alone, so people visited each other, ate and sang sociably. Hence the name "Glöckelnächte", which is derived from the ringing of the doorbell. The highlight of this "Wild Hunt" is the middle of the Twelve Nights, i.e. day six, and therefore New Year's Eve. Fireworks, firecrackers and lights drive away the spook. 354 days make up a calendar year of twelve lunar months, whereas a solar year consists of 365 days. What remains is a difference of 11 days or 12 nights, which were referred to as "dead days". The laws of nature were suspended during this magical time, animals began to speak, trees blossomed and water turned into wine. A glimpse into the future was also possible. In addition to weather oracles, e.g. using onion skins, lead or wax casting, the making of free balls or fortune telling were also common. Certain handicrafts or domestic activities were forbidden, such as spinning or spinning clotheslines - after all, the devil could get caught up in them. The fact that the Christian church allowed this type of superstition and defensive rituals was due to the fact that the spirits symbolised the demonic and sinful in man himself. The remedy for this reprobate behaviour was the appearance of God and Jesus Christ.

In earlier times, the New Year was welcomed on various days until 1 January was set as the date in 1691. Wishes of good luck and blessings are already known from the ancient Romans, later special biscuits were added as a New Year's gift. Before that, the turn of the year was often celebrated on 6 January, the Feast of the Epiphany (= Epiphany). This day marks the end of the 12 Raunächte; in Austria it is also known as "Weihnachtszwölfer". Originally, the birth of Christ was mainly celebrated on 6 January, sometimes also his baptism. The Western Church brought forward the feast of the incarnation of the Son of God to 25 December in 432, but associated the feast of the apparitions with the manifestation of divine glory. In other words, by sending his Son to earth, God himself became human. In addition, the miracles performed by Jesus, such as turning water into wine, show the appearance of the supernatural. According to legend, magi from the East (later there were three of them named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar), wise astrologers, followed the star of Bethlehem and thus arrived at Jesus' manger. They paid homage to the divine apparition with gold, frankincense and myrrh. According to subsequent tradition, the expensive value of these gifts empowered them to become kings. In addition, the number three stands for the then known continents of Africa, Europe and Asia. Epiphany gained widespread veneration and the character of a saint's feast in this country from 1164, after the transfer of her alleged relics from Milan to Cologne. The symbol of light as a saviour has also been preserved by the carol singers. Children dressed as Epiphany carolers go from house to house singing and blessing, accompanied by the star bearer. Together they ask for donations for charitable causes. On the consecrated houses, they write C+B+M with chalk framed by the year (Christus mansionem benedicat = Christ bless this house). Another custom is the "Stärk' antrinken" (drink to strength and health to arm oneself against possible adversity in the new year). Some breweries offer a special strong beer for this purpose. But 6 January also has something in store for wine lovers: " Epiphany, bright and clear, promises a good wine year". With this in mind, cheers to a healthy new year!

Maren Gündel, City Archive

Published in: Official Gazette January 2017