Dating back from thousands of years ago, the tradition of the sauna is deeply engrained in Finland’s way of life. While saunas have existed in other cultures, only the Finnish incorporate it into their weekly routine on a persistent basis. Finns think of it not as luxury, but as a true necessity.
Before public health care became prevalent, the sauna was used as a place for mothers to give birth. When people migrated, normally the first order of business was to get a sauna built as it would provide them with shelter, means of cooking and personal hygiene. You could also use it as a temporary living space. The resources to build and operate a sauna have never been in short supply in Finland as the region is heavily forested. Children were taught that while in the sauna, one should be on their best behaviour. Families and friends regularly bathed naked together. No matter what circumstances a Finn happened to be facing, building a sauna was always of top importance.
In modern times, Finns usually take a sauna at least once a week and the traditional sauna day is Saturday. The tradition has remained mostly unchanged throughout the millenia. One unfortunate situation that has arisen is that the perception outside of Finland has been slightly damaged as many countries operate red light massage and entertainment parlours behind the name of sauna.
Saunas are normally built into the basement of the home using cedar or spruce, which is not merely a stylistic choice but holds up under the harsh temperature changes and moisture while giving maintaining a pleasant scent. The traditional heat source inside the sauna takes the form of either a wood-burning or electric stove (called the “kiuas” in Finnish) with a basket on top in which rocks are placed. Wood-burning stoves are mostly used in detached saunas as they require a chimney for venting the smoke. Electric stove are most common when the sauna is located in the basement. The rocks used are normally of the quarried variety, such as peridotite or basalt which will not crack or explode when heated. The temperature inside the sauna will reach between 80–110 °C.
The common procedure for taking a sauna is as follows:
- remove all clothing and accessories such as glasses, watches and jewelry
- take a shower to rid yourself of any dirtiness prior to heating
- enter the sauna and sit on the bench (use a towel underneath you if you don’t like the hot seat) and begin slowly pouring water on the hot rocks to produce copious amounts of steam (called “löyly” in Finnish)
- relax and enjoy the intense heat (some will softly beat themselves with a bought of silver birch to stimulate the skin and release a pleasant aroma)
Usually after about 10-20 minutes of being inside the sauna you will come out to cool down, have a beverage and then repeat the process. Some also like to cook sausage on foil on top of the sauna stove rocks to have as a treat. A sauna session usually lasts anywhere from half an hour to two hours. The more traditional sauna enthusiasts will insist on going for a jump into a lake, pool or snow (if available) between sitting sessions. After finishing, you will normally take a final shower to wash away sweat.
If you’re not familiar with taking a sauna and are wanting to try it, remember that it is very important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of liquid and exit the sauna immediately if you feel nauseous, light headed, dizzy or otherwise uncomfortable. While it is considered to be very safe by most Finlanders, the inexperienced need to be aware of the possible dangers.
Building a sauna in your own basement can be a wonderful investment, providing your family with a new tradition and lifetime supply of relaxing and peaceful moments. There are many businesses out there that can guide you or completely build a sauna room for you.