International Sauna Day

Steam, birch broom, hot stones, ice hole. The bath is not just washing, it is a ritual, philosophy, a cure for all diseases. International Sauna Day is celebrated on June 13 (informally, but with great enthusiasm). On this day, sauna lovers from all over the world remember the benefits of sauna procedures, share recipes, and some even open the season of steaming after winter. The sauna unites peoples: Russian, Finnish sauna, Turkish hammam, Japanese sento — each has its own tradition, but the essence is one: cleansing the body and spirit.

History of the holiday

International Sauna Day was proposed by Finns in the 2010s. The idea was supported by Russians, Estonians, Latvians. The holiday was timed to the summer solstice? No, to June 13 — the day when real summer comes to Finland. In Russia, the holiday has been popular since 2015. In 2026, it falls on a Saturday, which is ideal for a visit to the sauna.

Russian bath: heat and steam

The Russian bath differs from high humidity (up to 70%) and temperature (60-80°C). Steam is supplied from a stove, on which water is poured. Brooms: birch (for massage), oak (for the skin), eucalyptus (for breathing). Tradition: first steam, then dive into the ice hole or pour cold water. After that — tea with herbs. The Russian bath cures joints, skin, nerves.

Finnish sauna: dry heat

The Finnish sauna is a dry air (10-20% humidity) at 80-100°C. Brooms are not used, but they can be. It is not allowed to make noise in the sauna, it is a place for meditation. After that — a pool or diving into a lake. Finns believe that the sauna relieves stress and prolongs life.

Turkish hammam: gently and wetly

Hammam is a steam room with a marble floor and dome, humidity 100%, temperature 40-50°C. The body is steamed, then massaged with soap foam. Hammam is more of a spa procedure than extreme steaming. Popular in Islamic countries.

Japanese sento and onsen

Sento is a public bath in Japan, where you bathe sitting down, using basins. The water is hot, but the steam room is not necessary. Onsen are hot springs, often in the open air. Japanese believe that onsen cures diseases.

How to celebrate International Sauna Day

Go to the bath or sauna (better with friends). Stock up on brooms (birch, oak). Prepare herbal tea (mint, St. John's wort, mugwort). Do not forget the hat (to prevent overheating the head). Do not drink alcohol! Only kvass, berry juice, water. After the bath — a contrast shower or snow (if there is any). Organize a "bath picnic": in nature, with a samovar.

Benefits and contraindications

The bath improves blood circulation, eliminates toxins, relieves muscle tension, cures colds (in the initial stage), normalizes blood pressure (in hypotensive patients). Contraindications: cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, ischemia), acute infections, epilepsy, pregnancy (late stages). Consult a doctor before visiting.

Bath in culture

The Russian bath is a character in fairy tales (Baba Yaga was steaming), films ("The National Hunt"), songs ("Banya" by the group "Lube"). In Finland, there is a sauna in every house. In Japan, sento are depicted in anime. The bath unites regardless of nationality.

June 13 is a great day to get rid of winter melancholy and dirt. Do not be afraid of steam, broom, and contrast procedures. Steam wisely, and health will thank you.

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