For quite some time now, I have been well aware of the Finnish/Baltic/Russian traditional sauna. In other words---a sacred steam bath, historically revered in Northern European countries.
Up until now, I had not thought too much about it--maybe just a passing idea, that worshipping a steamy cabin filled with naked family members was a bit quirky, at best.
But after these many cold and unforgiving Alaskan winters--- I finally get it!
Why would so called 'stoic' Northerners have an almost obsessive relationship with a silly steam bath??
At some time, I was led to believe it was all about bathing. But now that I am older, colder and wiser---I feel that is complete hogwash. Let's consider that maybe these strong, hearty relatives of the Vikings were simply freezing to death ?! I can attest that living in a Northern land, with nothing but winter cold and darkness, leads one to maniacally worship warmth.
We do know the traditional European sauna was historically utilized for enjoyable gatherings and all sorts of ritualistic purposes...
But maybe all the hoopla was never about hygiene after all??...But in fact a perpetual excuse to get back into the sauna and warm up cold Nordic butt ?!!
The terms "hot water vapor" and "spirit" are interchangeable in many of these Northern European languages. And why not?? If a room filled with steamy, warm mist is the only thing that makes life bearable--- better worship it!
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