The article ” Why sauna is so important for Finns” considers how sauna has become such an essential part of the Finnish identity. Do you know what might be the answer?
The history of the Finnish sauna
Historically, children have been born, the sick have been cared for, and people have been washed in the Finnish sauna. The anointing of the sick was also received in the sauna. The sauna was the only clean place and, therefore, considered sacred. The sauna was often the first building to be built, and people lived in the sauna until the main house was finished.
At first, saunas were earth pits. The stones were heated and covered with branches, twigs and other natural products. Water was thrown on the hot stones, which is how sauna steam was created.
The Reformation ended saunas and spa culture from Central Europe. In Finland and Russia, they fortunately survived. This is because the sauna culture was much older and rooted in our people’s customs.
However, in Sweden, the religious Reformation suppressed sauna culture and saunas were systematically destroyed. Northern Sweden was the only place that was spared from the destruction.
Read more: Swedish sauna culture
Finns do not understand the importance of sauna
Now that I’ve studied saunas for many years, I think we Finns don’t even realize how deeply saunas are part of our culture. The sauna is vital for most of us in ways we do not often consider.
Only in recent years has sauna been studied from a health perspective. And the results have also surprised us Finns. Saunas are often thought to be just for washing, but now there is evidence that saunas have real health benefits.
A sauna reduces stress, improves sleep quality and helps to recover after sports and the challenges of a working day or week.
Health effects of sauna:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Blood circulation accelerates
- Peripheral blood circulation improves
- The brain produces endorphins, i.e. pleasure hormones
- Sauna can help those suffering from chronic diseases, e.g. rheumatism, asthma, persistent arthritis
- Increases life expectancy
- Lowers risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- The sauna may also strengthen the immune system!
The Finns have also understood what many nations do not: you can take a sauna as long as you want and feel good. You don’t look at the clock; you listen to your body. Each of us works in our way.
I live abroad and am often asked about the health benefits of a sauna. Before, I couldn’t tell you anything more about a sauna than that it is good for the body and mind. Today, I can better explain why a sauna is so essential for all of us: it makes us happy and healthy.
As an old saying tells us, these three belong together: Suomi, Sauna, and Sisu.
Read more: Finnish sauna culture.
Finnish sauna and beliefs
Many different beliefs have been and still are associated with the sauna. For example, the Christmas sauna is full of different traditions. In the olden days, the sauna was heated the night before Christmas so that everyone could enter the sauna during daylight hours. You had to sit quietly in the Christmas sauna so the mosquitoes would stay away the following summer.
After finishing the sauna, it is customary to keep it warm for the deceased or the sauna gnome.
We still believe in the sauna gnome
In the Finnish tradition, the sauna elf or gnome is a tiny creature who cares for the sauna. It’s tradition to keep the sauna warm after you have finished so the sauna gnome can enjoy it, too. After the Christmas sauna, beer and a wash basin full of water were left for him in hopes that he, too, could enjoy the Christmas sauna. As a thank you, the gnome will guard your sauna and house for the coming year.
Read more: Christmas sauna
A Finnish sauna relaxes, cleanses, and increases the sense of community and strengthens social bonds. It prevents and manages stress. It improves the quality of sleep and increases the amount of deep sleep.
Taking a sauna raises the heart rate (but does not replace exercise). It is good for the skin and can significantly help those suffering from various skin diseases. Sauna reduces pain and relaxes the muscles.
Pretty neat, right?
Can you better answer why the sauna is so important to Finns?
Love, Sauna-Kati
