The sauna has existed in various forms for a long, long time.
Although its origins are somewhat unknown, the sauna has a history that is older than a thousand years.
A sauna is basically a hot bath, and hot baths are certainly nothing new. They've been used by many different cultures over the years. Some forms of hot baths are…
It is believed that the Finns were the first to build wooden saunas, and the sauna is a huge part of everyday life for the people of Finland.
In fact, there are an estimated 2 million saunas there. The population is around 5 million.
I’m no mathematician, but I believe that’s 1 for every 3 inhabitants. I find that quite amazing!
The Early Years
It’s said that the first Finnish saunas were dug into a hill or embankment.
Later, the Finnish people were able to build saunas above ground using wooden logs thanks to advancement in tools and building techniques.
Rocks were heated in a stone fireplace with a wood fire, and smoke would fill the room.
When the temperature reached high enough levels, the bathers would allow the smoke to clear before entering. The aroma from the wood smoke would linger, and this was considered a big part of the whole experience.
This type of sauna was called a savusauna, which means smoke sauna in Finnish.
The sauna would take on a bigger and bigger role as time wore on. It became a place…
for rejuvenation and refreshment
for family bonding
to perform domestic chores
to prepare the dead for burial
Because the sauna was one of the cleanest places and water was available, Finnish women also gave birth in the sauna.
When Finnish settlers came to America, they would often build a sauna first. It served as a temporary shelter to live in while they built their house.
Things Change...
Eventually, the electric sauna heater was invented around the 1950s, and that allowed saunas to be placed in areas where before they weren't practical.
Infrared saunas were introduced around the 1970s in Japan. An infrared sauna looks like a traditional sauna, but there are many portable variations that take on many shapes and sizes.
