An old Lithuanian proverb says, “Warmth won’t break your bones”. The saying could make quite a good slogan for a sauna advert. Since ancient times, steam baths have been used for many health benefits. Steam inhalation is perfect for treating various respiratory problems such as bronchitis, sinusitis and other throat and nasal irritations. The high temperatures improve circulation; thus, an increased blood flow brings important nutrients to subcutaneous and surface tissue, promoting cellular activity and growth. Besides, the hot sauna steam has skin cleansing powers: it helps to sweat the toxins out of the body...
The list of health benefits a sauna session may bring goes on. Bath wonderfully revitalizes your body and revives your soul. In many countries, however, sauna is more than a healthy bath. In each country, bathing has its own history, customs, methods, and traditions. When it comes to the Lithuanian bath, it comes to the whole Lithuanian bath culture. Admittedly, due to the contacts with the Finnish tribes in the past, the Lithuanian bath is similar to their sauna in architecture and bathing related customs, but has its national peculiarities too.
The first records of the Lithuanian steam bath date back to the 13th century. There were different bathhouse types and constructions varying from region to region. The earliest baths were dug into a hill or embankment. As the techniques changed, bathhouses started to be built above ground using wooden logs (there were also clay bathouses but those were rather rare). The roof used to be thatched with starw or bulrush. Later on, straw was replaced by planks, wood chips and other materials.
A traditional Lithuanian bathhouse consists of two rooms: the waiting room and the steam room. The most important element in the Lithuanian bathhouse is the fireplace (it is interesting that at first it had no chimney - the smoke went out through the door or the hole in the roof). The usual temperature in the Lithuanian bath reaches 70-90 ºC and relative humidity may range from 20 to 40%. Steam is produced by splashing water on the heated rocks.
The Lithuanian bath encompasses three main procedures. The first stage is heating in the steam-room, which causes the bathers to perspire, thus flushing away the impurities from the body. For the steam inhalations Lithuanians use river, lake, swamp, spring, or rain water. The list also includes various solutions of kvass, mead, beer, spirits, and about 60 different hero teas. Next follows slapping the skin with twigs (often birch), which creates further stimulation of the pores and cells. For the twigs, more than 50 different kinds of plants having curing powers are known to be used. After that, bathers usually wash themselves in the water. Lithuanians especially enjoy contrasting water procedures: pouring cold water on themselves, bathing in the ice-hole and rolling in the snow in winter time. As the bathhouse has long been a place for curing various diseases, the general bathing procedures were often followed by a honey massage for treatment of health problems as well as for prophylactic purposes.
Bathhouse has played an important role in social life. In the past, it was a place for discussing community issues, accepting a new member into the family (e.g. a bride), story telling, etc. Here, the aged used to teach the young. A steam bath has remained a popular gathering place for socializing and relaxation up to this day.
Preparing a steam bath for the guest was seen as the greatest act of hospitality. Nowadays, Lithuanian steam baths being a rather rare thing as compared to the number of saunas in Finland, an invitation to have a steam bath is still regarded a great act of hospitality and friendliness.
Earlier, a bathhouse was considered a sacred place. Here, wedding rituals (which usually started with washing the bride) were usually conducted. On the summer solstice celebration day, country girls used to meet at the bathhouse for the divining rituals. The bathhouse was also used as a place to prepare the dead for burial.
A steam bathhouse is often mentioned in folklore. The image of the bathhouse is found in fairy stories and tales. It is related with witchcraft and various superstitions. It was believed that, in the midnight, devils, pixies and witches gathered at the bathhouses and if they found anybody bathing inside, slapped them with wigs to death. To rely on other sources, country people thought that, on the contrary, bathhouses were visited only by the good and beautiful fairies…
Modern Lithuanian bathhouses may be classified to the following categories: community city baths, rented, or commercial, baths, individual country and city bathhouses… They may also be found at public sports centres and swimming pools.
The Lithuanian bath culture is too valuable to be buried in oblivion. Lithuanian bath lovers and connoisseurs willingly take part in championships meant not only for fun, but also to popularize the traditions of the Lithuanian bath, encourage active outdoor recreation, and develop healthy lifestyle habits. Steam bath facilities are provided at the majority of homesteads engaged in the business of countryside tourism.
Last but not least, a tip for those who are going to have the Lithuanian bath: get your team together – it will make a really enjoyable corporate experience. Steam bath could be a nice ending to a team building activity day in the Lithuanian countryside. It will easily fit in your group travel itinerary, incentive travel programme, and any other corporate event scheme.
Gero garo!, as Lithuanians say, Good steam!
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