The exact origin of the rough nights is difficult to determine. It probably goes back to the Germanic lunar calendar. It counted twelve lunar months and 354 days. Eleven days or twelve nights were missing from today’s solar calendar with its 365 days. These nights from December 25th to January 6th are still referred to today as rough nights, in some places also as twelve nights, lot nights, under nights, consecration nights, or intermediate nights or “dead days outside of time”.
It is also unclear whether the word “rauh” goes back to the Middle High German “rûch” for hairy or furry. Even today, furriers still talk about raw material for fur. In the past, “rûch” was associated with demons who wreaked havoc on those eerie twelve nights. In order to drive them away, the dwellings were “smoked out” with herbs – this could also be where the twelve nights got their name.
In any case, these nights were mystical, eerie and dark. The belief in ghosts was even stronger than usual and driving them away was the job of the “Perchten”. These were masked figures wrapped in fur (especially in the Alpine region). The Perchten runs still take place in some areas today. The Perchten were also supposed to make sure that people didn’t work during those twelve nights and that they got some rest.
Some rough nights were so dangerous that there were strict rules: no playing cards, no washing or hanging up laundry, no disorder in the house, no arguing or making noise and no big decisions. Cutting hair and nails was also once taboo. Compliance with the rules was also the responsibility of the Perchten.
Rough nights in Dresden and the surrounding area
Stable yard of Dresden Castle: The tried and tested remains, new things are added. The elaborate facade projections, the Laterna Magica with the fairy tale program, the hot tub and the medieval music and jugglery program on the stage will also be available at the Rauhnächten in the Stallhof. They take place from December 27th to 30th and from January 2nd to 6th. Ghosts and Krampus parade through the stable yard several times a day. Bands and jugglers rotate almost daily and fortune tellers take over some of the huts.
Augustusmarkt main street: It is Dresden’s youngest, but already second largest and perhaps most unusual Christmas market – the Augustusmarkt on the main street. At the feet of the Golden Rider, which looks east, the white and gold pagoda tents have their own unique charm. After the festival, the market will open again from December 27th to January 4th including New Year’s Eve. From December 24th to 26th and on January 1st. the market remains closed.
Winter market on the Neumarkt: The Neumarkt in Dresden has always been and is a place with tradition; it is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas market places that is unparalleled in Germany. With its idyll of times past, “Advent on the Neumarkt” speaks to the feelings and longings of people today and their ideal image of a Christmas market around 1900. After Christmas it is open as a “winter market” from December 27th to 31st (here 12:30 a.m.) and from January 2nd to 4th.
Canaletto market Pirna: The market around the town hall in Pirna is considered a special tip in the region with its unique lighting concept and wonderful town hall projections. It also offers the opportunity to stroll and linger during the rough nights. The Canaletto market is open from December 27th to 30th, and instead of Santa Claus, Father Frost entertains market visitors big and small. On December 29th, DJ Partyingenieur invites you to the après-ski party from 6 p.m.
Meissen winter market: As almost every year, the Meissen market is transformed into a magical Christmas land until December 24th. From December 25th to January 1st it turns into the winter market. On New Year’s Eve the stalls and stands are open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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