Torchlight hike in Stainz: magical moments and diverse scents!

Torchlight hike in Stainz: magical moments and diverse scents!

The Raunächte, a mystical time between Christmas Eve and the Three Wise Men, were celebrated in Stainz and the Swabian Forest in the last few days with a fascinating torch and incense culture event. In Stainz, around 180 participants took part in the Raunacht hike, which was organized by Claudia Dunst-Mösenlechner. The four-kilometer-long circuit began at the “Hofer Mühle” on Rathausplatz and led hikers through the picturesque Bründlwald to Schlossplatz. In addition to the festive torch dance by the local folk dance group, the hikers also expected offers on herbalism, which were led by, among others, herbal educator Alexandra Koch. Her focus was on traditional smoking, which is supposed to help ward off negative energies and support letting go of old things meinkreis.at reported.

A magic in the forest of slumber

Meanwhile, nature park guide Helene Angstenberger took the participants on their rough night hike in the Swabian Forest into a world full of scents and stories. These nights were traditionally times of smoking to keep negative influences away. Angstenberger told the hikers how these customs used to help people ward off uninvited spirits. During her nightly tours on January 5, she showcased her collected herbs meant to influence participants' moods as the scents of wormwood, mugwort and spruce resin filled the air. The connection between scent and spiritual cleansing was strongly emphasized by Angstenberger as she urged hikers to shed their inner burdens and allow new thoughts to emerge schwaebische-post.de.

Both events show how old customs are revitalized through the combination of nature, tradition and communal experience. While the participants in Stainz ended the day with goulash soup and a festive get-together, the hikers in the Swabian Forest experienced a mystical night that stimulated the senses and cleared the mind. This coming together of nature and culture under the glow of torches illustrates the deep-rooted importance of Raunächte in our society.