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Alpine shaman Limpöck: rough nights and wild traditions on the Untersberg
Find out from Alpine shaman Rainer Limpöck about the rough nights in Berchtesgadener Land and their cultural significance.
Alpine shaman Limpöck: rough nights and wild traditions on the Untersberg
With Christmas anticipation and contemplative banter, the Rauhnächte are just around the corner - a custom that is firmly interwoven with the culture in the Berchtesgadener Land. Rainer Limpöck, Alpine shaman and Untersberg expert, has been studying the deep roots of this tradition for a long time. Loud bgland24 For Limpöck, the rough nights over the winter solstice are the beginning of a phase of reflection and pause.
Limpöck experiences Christmas Eve in particular as a family celebration, where traditional activities such as a visit to the Reichenhall Christmas market, the Christmas shooting, singing and giving presents cannot be missed. It is also customary in his homeland to use the rough nights for burning incense and praying. In many households in Berchtesgaden, the health and happiness of the house and farm is secured together on Christmas Eve at the incense table with “Rauhtiache” and holy water, like this Berchtesgaden Magazine describes.
The myths of the rough nights
The Rauhnächte, which have a long tradition in Berchtesgaden, are associated with myths and stories. During these special nights, particularly on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and the night of Epiphany, ritual acts are performed to ward off evil influences and seek protection for the coming months. Historically, people adjusted to a change in season and often prayed for help and blessings while smoking their stables and cornfields to preserve good fortune. Berchtesgadener Land Blog shows that many of these customs, such as fumigation and praying the rosary, are still practiced today.
The Rauhnächte are not only a time for retrospection, but also an opportunity to experience connection with nature and the mysterious places of the Berchtesgadener Land. Limpöck offers special hikes in which he conveys the spiritual meaning of the Untersberg and brings to life mythological stories that revolve around this place of power.
Tradition versus commercialization
In this context, Limpöck criticizes the influence of Santa Claus on the Christkindl tradition and emphasizes the importance of treating the places of power respectfully. Especially in places like the Herzstein and the Irlmaiermadonna in Berchtesgadener Land, the locals are called upon to maintain and honor the old myths and customs. “This is where the potential for gentle tourism lies,” explains Limpöck. A way to preserve traditions and still allow the beauty of the region to be experienced.
If you want to experience the rough nights authentically, you will find a wealth of offerings at the Berchtesgaden Advent and Christmas markets. Visitors can buy incense, incense powder and other accessories necessary to maintain these ancient customs. In the Berchtesgaden salt healing tunnel, another spiritual place, Limpöck organizes ritual journeys that are intended to help people rediscover centuries-old traditions and find their place in the present.
It remains to be seen how the Rauhnächte will develop in the modern world, but one thing is certain: they are and remain an integral part of the culture in Berchtesgadener Land and offer a valuable opportunity for reflection and celebration together with family and friends.