Smoke signals to the Christ Child Traditional smoking around Christmas
If you notice an increased smell of smoke in the Glemmtal at nightfall on December 24th, then no smoke signals will be sent to the Christ Child and the smoking ban will not be circumvented. No, this is the time to "go smoke".
Christmas Eve - December 24th - marks the start of the Rauhnächte. The Rauhnächte (also known as Raunächte or Rauchnächte) are a few nights around Christmas time that are particularly important in rural areas. Folklorists are not entirely in agreement as to where the name Rauhnacht really comes from. It could come from "Rachn geh" or from the rough figures that are said to prowl around in the dark during these days.
Let's let the smoke rise...
Preparations for the "Rachn geh" begin in the afternoon on December 24. The right wood has to be selected so that good embers can be created later. When it starts to get dark, the fire is stoked and as soon as the wood has burned down so much that only the red/black glowing coal can be seen in the oven, the time is just right to get the embers out of the oven for the "Rachn geh". An old forged pan or an old coal iron can be used as a smoker. They are filled with the glowing coal from the oven. The smoking pan is used to smoke all the rooms in the house and the stable. Incense is repeatedly sprinkled onto the coal, which burns up due to the heat and creates thick smoke.
Which incense is used varies from family to family. Some swear by incense, others smoke the herbs from the herb bush tied on August 15 and still others combine these two methods. Holy water is also part of the incense ceremony almost everywhere - it is also sprayed in all rooms of the house and prayers are often said during the incense burning.
Once all the rooms have been smoked, the windows and doors are opened so that the smoke and all the bad things in the house can be drawn outside. This is usually followed by a final round of smoking around the entire house or even the whole property. The pan with the embers is then placed in a safe place in front of the house and left there until it burns out completely. The ashes are often scattered on meadows or fields the next day. This is said to ensure fertility for the coming year.
Smoking is not only done on December 24th, but also during the other two great nights of smoke - on December 31st, New Year's Eve and on the night of January 5th to 6th, the so-called Perchtnacht.
Smoke and custom
The smoke is said to keep evil spirits, demons and dark figures away from the house and yard or drive them away. The smoke is also used to ward off illness and other misfortune. A small ritual that is performed during the "Rachn geh" is the "hat full of smoke". A hat is held over the smoke from the pan and then placed on the head. This gesture is repeated for every person present. It is said to bring good luck for the coming year, but above all good health. Good luck and health for the coming year! And I look forward to being able to tell you some more cool herb stories from the Glemmtal.
Text source: www.saalbach.com