|
|
|
History of the Russian Sauna
|
Many people have heard about Finnish baths, but the Russian bath is better documented than other type of sauna in the entire world. M. Hartea revealed the popularity of the Russian sauna back in 1914: "In Moscow the interest in bania is greater than here in Finland. The Russians conquer us Finns as far as interest in the sauna goes."
The Russian sauna, also known as a bania or banya has a very interesting history. This invention dates back to medieval times when it was Russian custom to bathe in one at least three times every week. Almost all Russian villagers had a bathhouse that was located near water, but often far away from the village houses.
Superstition & the Russian Sauna
Ancient Russians used to believe that the bathhouses contained a hostile domestic goblin or spite called a bannik. Some people pictured this mean little creature as small old man, whereas others believed he was a naked dwarf. This is why individuals rarely visited a Russian sauna alone. Ancient Russians were very superstitious and they considered 5 to 7 hours before midday as the only appropriate times to visit a Russian bath.
Peasants believed that only two or three bathing sessions were safe. They also feared that after sundown, the devil also enjoyed relaxing in the Russian saunas. This is why ancient Russians limited their bathing to no more than three sessions, and only during daylight hours. In fact, the people of the time were so superstitious that they would never build a new house on the site of a former bathhouse. They considered the area to be unclean and perhaps even evil.
A Steam House for Every Nobleman
In ancient Russia, every noble household included a steam house. Communal baths were existent in almost every village and town. Both men and women would steam together and roll around in the snow. The Russian sauna became known for a place of wild behavior and sexual activities. Therefore, Peter the Great tried to eliminate the banias of medieval Russia from the mansions and palaces of St. Petersburg in favor of Western bathrooms. However, his efforts failed. Despite heavy taxing, the noblemen preferred to use the Russian baths. At the end of the 18th century, almost every palace located in St. Petersburg included a Russian bath.
Health Benefits of the Russian Bath
Ancient Russians referred to the Russian bath as the "people's first doctor". They believed a steam bath would eliminate illnesses, followed by vodka and raw garlic. Perhaps we could learn from these wise people, as the bania has since been proven to provide numerous health benefits. You can read about some of these benefits in our Improving Your Health with a Russian Sauna article. We will also explain the meaning of venik and the important role it plays in the Russian sauna of ancient and modern times.
Bathing Rituals for Child Delivery
However, there were also many magical beliefs associate with the Russian sauna in ancient Russian folklore. Most important rituals of the time included visiting a bania to purge and clean your soul as well as your body. In fact, the bathhouses became significant places where babies were delivered. These bathing rituals often lasted 40 days! The clean, private and warm atmosphere of the Russian bath was said to purify mothers from the bleeding caused by the birth of her child. This dates back to the popular Christian belief that Christ's bloodless birth actually symbolized the fallen state of womanhood. Women would enter the bathhouse with only female attendants or a midwife, until their child was finally born.
Pre-Marriage Bathing Rituals
The Russian bania was also an important place where ritual pre-marriage sessions were conducted. Maids would wash a bride in the sauna on the eve or her wedding in order to ensure her purity. In some areas, both the bride and groom in peasant and noble families would visit the bath house before their wedding night. Christian rituals such as Shrovetide or “Clean Monday” and Epiphany also played an important part of these pagan bathing rites. For example, Russian families would clean their houses during these holy days. They would spend many hours throwing out food that had spoiled, washing and cleaning floors and clearing out cupboards. When they were finished cleaning, they would take a trip to the bath house so they could also clean their body.
We recommend you visit a Russian sauna to enjoy this unique experience for yourself. Make sure to read our Get Ready For the Russian Sauna article before you go so you will be well prepared.
|
|
