A bath is not just a place for hygiene. It is an entire culture, a way to relax and care for your body, to get rid of stress and cleanse yourself. In different parts of the world, there are many unique traditions related to baths, and each one reveals, in its own way, the cultural, climatic, and health characteristics of the region. Let’s take a quick tour of the baths and saunas of the world.
1. Russian Banya
The Russian banya is one of the most famous symbols of Slavic culture. The temperature can reach up to 80-100°C, and the humidity can be 70-90%, creating a unique atmosphere. An important feature is the use of the birch broom (venik) — not only is it pleasant, but it is also very beneficial for the skin and circulation. The Russian banya is ideal for deep detoxification, relieving fatigue, and improving mood.
2. Finnish Sauna
The Finnish sauna is perhaps the most popular type of sauna in the world. Unlike the Russian banya, the Finnish sauna has dry heat. The temperature typically ranges from 70 to 100°C, but the humidity is very low (around 10-20%). In Finland, the sauna is not just a health-maintenance practice but also an important part of social life. People relax with family or friends, and after the session, they refresh themselves in lakes or snow holes.
3. Turkish Hammam
The hammam is an oriental bath, a symbol of relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s a place where a humid and steamy climate prevails, with temperatures around 40-50°C. In a hammam, you can not only wash yourself but also enjoy massages, oil treatments, and exfoliations. These baths are places for deep relaxation, where the cleansing process is done through water and steam in a calming atmosphere.
4. Japanese Bath (Ofuro)
Ofuro is the traditional Japanese bath, often used in homes. It is a deep wooden tub filled with hot water. The Japanese use ofuro to relax and cleanse after a hard day’s work. It is a place for quietude and meditation, where the water (usually at 40-45°C) plays an essential role in relaxing the mind and body.
5. Spanish Bath (Baños Árabes)
Baños Árabes, or the Arab bath, has a long history in Spain, deeply rooted in Islamic culture. These baths consist of several rooms with different temperatures: cold, warm, and hot rooms, as well as pools for bathing. The Arab bath process is a true purification ritual, often accompanied by massages and the use of oils. Arab baths are not only for cleansing but also for reconnecting with the body in a traditional setting.
