Overview
- The period from Christmas to January 6 is observed as a reflective pause marked by purification rites and preparation for the year ahead.
- Reported origins trace to pre-Christian, lunar-calendar customs and beliefs in thinner boundaries between worlds, with medieval accounts of priests incensing farm stables.
- Guides emphasize räuchern: air the room, use a fireproof bowl with sand and lit charcoal, add herbs or resins, waft smoke through corners, then ventilate again.
- Common materials include mugwort for cleansing, sage for energetic clearing, frankincense for spiritual focus, lavender for calm, and myrrh for introspection.
- Symbolism links each of the twelve nights to a month of the coming year, with modern practices such as meditation, journaling, family rituals, and the 13-wishes burning rite where one unburned wish remains to pursue personally.