All About The
Finnish Sauna
by Thomas Oak
Saunas first came into existence in Finland, around 2000
years ago. The tradition of the sauna has continued to this day.
Currently, Finland has five million citizens, and more than two
million saunas. That's an average of one sauna for every
household. Saunas are considered a necessity in Finland, rather
than the luxury they are seen as elsewhere in the world. There's
even a sauna in the Finnish Parliament!
The traditional
sauna is made of wood, and heated with rocks. Originally,
Finnish sauna rocks were heated by wood fires. Then, later, the
entire sauna became wood heated, first by an open fire inside
the sauna, and then by metal wood stoves. Now, it's more likely
for the sauna rocks to be heated electrically or by gas, though
there are still traditional wood heated saunas. Modern sauna
heaters allow the sauna to be ready faster, however.
Finnish saunas are
around 175-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Water is thrown onto the
stones that heat the sauna to produce steam, which makes the
sauna feel even hotter than it already is. Periodically, people
using the sauna may use birch boughs to beat themselves. This is
intended to relax the muscles. As soon as the heat starts to
become uncomfortable, one leaves the sauna, and traditionally
jumps into a lake, the ocean, or a pool. If these are not
available in the winter, Finnish sauna users may roll in the
snow or swim in a hole that's been cut in the ice. Afterwards,
one may return to the sauna, or sit down to enjoy food, usually
sausage and beer.
It's considered
rude to wear clothing while you sauna, although it's acceptable
to sit on a towel. Mixed sex saunas are common, but Finnish
saunas are considered entirely nonsexual. It would be very rude
to make advances towards someone you see in the sauna. Although
it's traditional to sauna in the nude, cooling off is usually
done in a towel. It's very rude to wear a bathing suit in the
sauna, because the chlorine from the suit could vaporize and be
dangerous to people with breathing problems.
Foreigners in
Finland may be surprised if they are invited into the sauna.
This can happen while visiting, or after business negotiations.
It's possible to refuse, but more polite to accept. Because of
this, it's a good idea to be aware of the customs and methods of
using the sauna in Finland. Offering a sauna is considered a
sign of good hospitality.
About the Author
Jake Plumer writes
exclusively for http://www.hot-sauna.com.
Follow the links for additional information from Jake Plumer
about a Finnish
sauna or for a conventional Steam
Sauna for indoors or outside.
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Copyright 2007
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