Sauna Bath

Historical evidence indicates that the Finnish built the first wooden sauna in the 5th or 8th century. They were dug into an embankment or hill. As techniques and tools advanced, above ground saunas were built using wooden logs. A stone fireplace with wood fire heated rocks, and the smoke from the fire filled the Finnish sauna as the fire warmed the air.

As soon as the temperature reached to the level they wanted, the smoke was cleared and the bathers entered. The smoke aroma, which many people find to be relaxing, lingered and became part of the cleansing ritual. This traditional type of Finnish sauna was called a "savusauna" or smoke sauna in Finnish.

In Finland, garments such as swimsuits and towels were rarely worn in Finnish saunas. Families go into the sauna together, and this is not considered eccentric as this is an old tradition. In a private Finnish sauna, towels or swimsuits are never worn. In a public Finnish sauna, men and women go to separate saunas, although both sexes may sometimes steam bathe together. To this day, in Finland, saunas are not associated with sexuality and sex. In fact, the Finnish sauna has been a sacred place, after the church, and if a house could afford one, they generally had one built. Women used to give birth in a Finnish sauna because it was a sterile and warm environment, right up into the 20th century.

A Finnish sauna is generally shady and silent. The temperature is always between 80°C (176°F) and 110°C (230°F). The hottest saunas have low levels of humidity in which steam is generated by pouring water on hot stones. This allows temperatures that boil water to be tolerated and enjoyed longer.

The Finns enjoy their traditions, but do not enforce them on foreigners or locals. It is common practice to bathe with your family, however if you are with friend or others that are not family, men and women take turns. It is also not a rule that you must fully disrobe, and it is not a breach of etiquette if you choose to wear a towel or bathing suit. When you feel like it, you can throw some water onto the hot stones to increase the humidity. Also, first time sauna bathers should not feel obligated to remain in the sauna for a long period of time - a few minutes is perfectly acceptable. The main idea is to enter, sit down, relax and enjoy the company of other sauna bathers, and of course sweat. After you have had enough, you may enter the showers, swim in the lake or pool. You may return to the sauna after swimming or showering, and repeat the process as many times as you would like.

Sauna Bath |