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Sauna manners all over the planet
Hey there! Let’s talk about sauna etiquette worldwide. Did you know that saunas are an integral part of different cultures? These steamy rooms are not just a relaxing escape; they have deep-rooted traditions and customs too. So, let’s take a journey together as we explore some fascinating sauna etiquette from around the world.
1. Finland: The Land of Saunas
Are you ready to dive into Finnish sauna culture? In Finland, saunas are revered and hold great importance. It’s a place where people not only relax but also have deep conversations. So, if you’re invited to a Finnish sauna, remember to bring along your friendly and open attitude. Respect for personal space is vital, and you should disrobe completely (yes, that means naked!) before entering. Oh, and don’t forget to leave your phone outside. It’s all about being present in the moment and enjoying the authentic sauna experience.
2. Japan: Steaming with Serenity
Konnichiwa! When it comes to Japanese bathhouses or “onsen,” the etiquette is slightly different. In Japan, soaking in onsen is both a physical and spiritual practice. Before entering the hot springs, make sure to thoroughly cleanse your body. Modesty is key, so no swimsuits allowed! Embrace the Japanese way and soak sans clothing. Respect is also highly valued, so keep your voice low and avoid splashing. And remember, it’s customary to bow and say “arigato” (thank you) when leaving the onsen.
3. Turkey: The Hammam Experience
Welcome to Turkey, where the traditional bathhouse, or “hammam,” awaits. The Turkish hammam culture is all about purification and relaxation. Upon entering, you’ll be given a peshtemal (a thin cotton towel) to wrap around yourself. Inside, you’ll be treated to a thorough scrub by a professional called a “tellak.” This exfoliating experience will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Just remember to relax, follow the lead of others, and enjoy every moment of this unique cultural tradition.
4. South Korea: Sweating It Out in Style
Have you heard about jjimjilbangs? These Korean saunas are a fantastic way to unwind and indulge in some self-care. When entering a jjimjilbang, cleanliness is crucial. Take a shower before entering the main sauna area, and remember to remove your shoes as you step onto the warm floors. Saunas are separated by gender, so don’t worry ladies and gents, you’ll have your own spaces. Once inside, get comfy and enjoy the various sauna rooms, baths, and even game rooms. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try out the traditional Korean body scrub, or “seshin.”
5. Sweden: Swedish Sauna Traditions
Let’s head over to Sweden, where the sauna, or “bastu,” is a way of life. Swedish sauna etiquette focuses on embracing simplicity and nature. Before getting all heated up, make sure to take a shower to cleanse your body thoroughly. In the sauna, sit on a towel or a wooden bench, and remember to keep conversations calm and respectful. After working up a sweat, take a break and dip into the refreshing waters of a nearby lake or cold shower. It’s all about finding balance and connecting with nature in this Scandinavian sauna experience.
So, What Have We Learned?
There you have it! Sauna etiquette is diverse and fascinating all over the world. Whether it’s the bare skin saunas of Finland or the communal bathing of Japan, each culture has its own unique customs. So, next time you find yourself in a sauna, remember to embrace the local etiquette and immerse yourself in the unique experience it offers. Happy sauna-ing!
When you go on your next vacation and plan to visit spas and saunas, it’s important to follow the local customs. By doing so, you can fully enjoy your time of relaxation and revitalization.
Have you ever heard of a sauna? They’re a fascinating part of Finnish culture that dates all the way back to the 12th century. Originally, saunas were simple holes dug into the ground. But as time went on, they evolved into above-ground structures made of wooden logs. To heat the saunas, rocks were placed on a stove and heated with a wood fire. People would enter the sauna once the smoke from the fire had cleared.
In addition to the heat of the sauna, the Finns and Scandinavians also believed in the benefits of cold plunging. After sweating it out in the sauna, they would take a dip in cold water, like a nearby lake or pool, or even just take a cold shower. This practice was thought to enhance the benefits of the sauna.
Today, saunas are much more accessible to everyone and are associated with relaxation, well-being, and even luxury. People enjoy saunas for many reasons, and they offer a range of benefits for both the body and mind. Here are a few advantages that sauna-users experience:
When it comes to the benefits of saunas, there’s no denying the positive impact they can have on our health. Saunas help keep our blood vessels healthy and strengthen our cardiovascular system. They also improve circulation, which is great for our overall well-being. Plus, saunas are good for the skin and can even help us burn some calories.
But the benefits of saunas go beyond just physical health. They can also provide relief from pain, muscle tension, and arthritis symptoms. In addition, saunas help our bodies sweat out toxins, leaving us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Now, when it comes to saunas and spas, it’s important to remember that customs and rules can vary from culture to culture. If you’re planning a sauna experience while traveling in Europe, there are some social and cultural customs you may want to keep in mind.
For example, in Finland and Sweden, it’s not uncommon to enter a sauna naked. However, men and women often bathe separately. This practice may be different from what you’re used to, so it’s important to respect the customs of the country you’re visiting.
These are just a few examples of the customs and practices you may encounter in European saunas. The key is to be mindful and respectful of the local customs, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience. So, whether you choose to go in your birthday suit or cover up, saunas can be a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate while you travel.
Don’t Give Up It may surprise you to know that in some countries like Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Great Britain, and Croatia, it’s a common practice to bring your own towel to the sauna. So, don’t throw in the towel just yet!
Put Your Hat On In Eastern Europe and in Russian banyas (steam bath houses), the locals like to keep things simple. Instead of wrapping themselves completely in towels, they opt to cover only the essential parts. The Latvians follow the same tradition. Additionally, the men in these areas are known for wearing special sauna hats made of felt. Some of these hats even cover the ears!
A woman wearing a traditional felt hat at a sauna in Estonia. Image: Unsplash.
Swim-spa In some countries where religion is highly valued, like Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, it is required to wear bathing costumes at the pool. The same goes for France, Poland, and Hungary. And don’t forget your towel!
In the USA, going naked in the sauna is not allowed. You must wear a bathing costume and bring a few towels along.
In Japan, if you’re planning to visit an onsen (a public hot spring bathhouse), you should be aware that you have to strip down. Don’t worry, they have separate areas for men and women.
