"Prohibited swimwear: My journey toward accepting nudity Finnish-style"
In the heart of Helsinki, Finland, we delve into the world of the sauna, a cultural institution deeply rooted in the Finnish way of life, with Krista Fransman, our local guide, leading the way.
Saunas in Finland are not just places for physical cleansing but also serve as spiritual rituals, embraced without reservation. Being naked in public, especially in saunas, is not considered a taboo, and this acceptance is evident in the seating area of the sauna, which resembles a mini amphitheatre, filled with women in various states of undress, engaging in lively conversations without any signs of self-consciousness.
The giant iron oven hisses and steam spreads through the room with each release of water, creating a soothing scent of wood. The temperature drops with each step down in the seating area, and the dressing room, much like the sauna, is filled with a sense of camaraderie and openness.
The Finnish sauna holds great significance in the Finnish society, with its history dating back to ancient times. Historically, saunas were used for maintaining public hygiene, socializing, healing rituals, preparations for burial, and key rural activities such as curing meat and laundry. Today, saunas are ubiquitous—there are about as many saunas as households—and are valued for their health benefits, including stress relief, muscle relaxation, and improved sleep.
The sauna experience typically involves rotating between hot steam rooms (80-100°C) and cold plunges into snow or icy water, which is believed to enhance circulation and detoxification. Beyond health, the sauna serves as a vital social space where friends and family gather to relax, converse, and strengthen bonds, continuing a centuries-old tradition of community connection and wellbeing.
Krista and the author discussed various topics, including childhood memories, past relationships, and world order, as they sat in the sauna, feeling muscles and mind relax. The author, initially uncertain about the idea of complete nakedness in public, found themselves understanding why Krista used the sauna to de-stress.
In contemporary Finland, social convention dictates that those sweating it out up top are in charge of when extra steam is required. Drinks are not allowed in the sauna, and swimming costumes are not allowed in certain public saunas in Helsinki. Throwing water on the stove without asking permission is not allowed, and conversation is encouraged, but it should be hushed.
A pre-sauna shower is required, and medical research has shown that saunas can significantly reduce the incidence of cold and flu, and clear sinuses for those suffering from hay fever. The author visited Kotiharjun Sauna in Kallio, one of the city's oldest sauna establishments, and felt the reverence for this cultural tradition as they immersed themselves in the Finnish sauna experience.
Every house in Finland has its own sauna, and every apartment block has a communal sauna for the residents. The Finnish sauna embodies Finnish values of purity, health, communal life, and connection to nature, maintaining a near-religious reverence across generations. It is a place where Finns find solace, connection, and rejuvenation, and a tradition that continues to thrive in modern-day Finland.
[1] Britannica, T. E. (2021). Sauna. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/sauna [2] Crystal Travel. (2021). Finnish Sauna. Crystal Travel. https://www.crystalcruises.com/destinations/europe/finnish-sauna/ [3] YouTube. (2021). Finnish Sauna Experience. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3V6NwU6b_Q
- Krista, after discussing various topics in the sauna, explained that the Finnish lifestyle often intertwines fashion-and-beauty routines with the at-home sauna experience, as women may engage in sewing or crafts to pass the time during their relaxation sessions, incorporating a therapeutic touch to their home-and-garden hobbies.
- As the author imbibed the richness of Finnish culture through the sauna experience, they couldn't help but appreciate how the centuries-old tradition of the sauna, with its holistic approach towards health, wellness, and social connection, has become an integral part of the fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden lifestyle in contemporary Finland.
