The opinion of a Finnish citizen about the Russian bath

The Russian bath is considered the best and healthiest in the world. Even Finns admit that their saunas are many times worse than Russian bathhouses. Journalist Erkka Makkonen gave an interview to Yle, in which he shared his impressions of visiting a bathhouse in Russia. He called some of the bathing traditions "strange rituals." Moreover, admiration knew no bounds.

What amazed the Finnish journalist?

First of all, Erkka noted that Russians go to the steam room only in bath caps. Makkonen pointed out that this immediately betrays all Finns. In their saunas, they are used to taking a steam bath without hats. At the same time, he noted that this is a useful and good tradition, as the cap protects the head from overheating. Indeed, in the Russian steam room the temperature is higher than in the sauna.

Erkkaz noted that the attendants of the bathhouse attendant splash water aperiodically on the stones of the heater. Thus, a certain humidity and temperature are maintained. In addition, with the help of sheets, the bath attendants direct hot air to those lying on the shelves. At the same time, people occasionally groan with pleasure.

It is worth making some digression. The bath attendants do not always do everything that the Finn has listed on their own. Basically, people themselves "throw on stones". You need to feel the level of warmth. Especially if you are not just resting on the shelf, but steaming with brooms.

After the first portion of steam, people go out and plunge into the cool water of the pool. After a little rest, people go to the steam room for the second time. Now they lie on the shelves and are heated with brooms. Erkka noted that this is a whole procedure that must be done correctly, observing all the features.

Brooms can be made from several types of leaves. In particular, branches of oak, alder or birch are used. Why these types of trees are needed for brooms, I will tell you next time. In addition, I will explain how to steam properly with brooms.

Finn's opinion and feedback from the Russian bath

Erkka Makkonen said that he, as an ossified Finn, liked the Russian bath more than his own sauna. First of all, he noted the sincere atmosphere. Finn believes that the bathhouse perfectly demonstrates the collectivism spirit of the Russian person. It is many times more useful than a sauna. Moreover, each tradition has a deep meaning. In short, the Finn believes that the Russian bath heals not only the body, but also the soul.