Mōdraniht is an Old English word meaning "night of the mothers". It was a festival celebrated by the Germanic tribes on the night of winter solstice. The festival honored the maternal aspects of nature, including the Goddesses Freyja and her attendants, who were associated with fertility, childbirth, and motherhood. The celebration of Mōdraniht was likely a holdover from pre-Christian times, when indigenous people venerated their ancestors and gave thanks for the gifts of nature. After Christianity arrived in Europe, the church attempted to stamp out pagan celebrations like Mōdraniht. But even though it was no longer openly celebrated, many of its traditions were kept alive through