There are many customs and myths at Christmas time. Washing laundry also plays a role. We explain why you shouldn’t wash laundry between rough nights.
Rough Nights: Why you shouldn’t do laundry now
The rough nights are a special time. There are twelve nights, six before and six after the winter solstice. During this time the spirit realm is said to open so that the spirits can leave it.
In the period between Christmas and New Year you shouldn’t wash because otherwise a family member could die – or so the custom says.
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Laundry washing during the rough nights
According to legend, white lines are not allowed to be hung and there is no room for disorder. Otherwise the lines would be stolen by the so-called ‘wild riders’. Over the next year, these riders would then use the stolen linen cloth as a shroud for a member of the house.
In addition, you should not put up clotheslines during this time. According to legend, the wild riders could get caught in it and you would incur the wrath of the riders on yourself and your family.
Young women in particular are prohibited from hanging up white laundry on the days after Christmas. The laundry could attract the wild riders and cause them to attack the women.
The custom has not been scientifically proven. So if you want to do laundry and don’t believe in the myth, you can of course do it.
Rituals during the rough nights
The rough nights are often seen as a time of transition in which the old year is said goodbye and the new year is welcomed. In many cultures, rituals are performed during this time:
- One way to take advantage of the rough nights is this Writing wishes and goals for the new year. These can then be burned on the night between December 31st and January 1st to symbolically send them into the universe.
- Cleansing your home and your own energy fields can also be helpful during this time to make room for positive changes. For this you can, for example smoke or clean the house thoroughly.
- Another option is to reflect on the past year and let go of negative experiences and emotions. You can take time to meditate quietly or write in a diary.
- It’s also a good time to get together with friends and family and celebrate together. This can help share positive energies and start the new year with joy and optimism.
- By taking time to reflect, cleanse, and set goals, you can have a positive impact on the New Year and increase your own happiness and well-being.
The original for this post Washing laundry between Christmas and New Year: What’s behind the custom? comes from FOCUS Online and was written by Luke Farwer.