Sauna: A Historical Perspective

What is the origin of the sauna?

How is the sauna linked to Finnish culture?

Origin of the Sauna

The origin of the sauna is often associated with Finland, where it has been used for thousands of years as a means of bathing. The word "sauna" itself comes from the Finnish language.

Link to Finnish Culture

Saunas are commonly linked to Finnish culture, but ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Israelites also had their own sophisticated bathing practices.

The traditional sauna, often associated with Finland, represents a historical bathing practice with a rich heritage. Although Finland is credited with the popularization of the sauna, it is important to acknowledge that ancient civilizations had developed sophisticated bathing facilities as well.

Origin of Bathing Practices and Saunas

Dr. Zucker highlights that these early bathing facilities were complex, featuring rooms with varying temperatures, spaces for exercise, and they played a significant social and hygienic role in those societies. The ancient Egyptians' bathing routines, as documented in the Ebers papyrus, reveal that they bathed regularly and created soaps from oils and salts.

This refinement in bathing practices is also evident in Babylonian records and in ancient Israelites' usage of plant ashes for soap. While the sauna is commonly associated with Finnish culture, it is essential to recognize the rich history of bathing practices across various ancient civilizations.