For the first time, sauna masters defined the hallmarks of the Finnish sauna tradition. The most important is a temperature of over 70 degrees and the possibility to create a sauna.
Everyone knows about the sauna, but where does one know about the Finnish sauna?
This week, we got an answer to this question from the Sauna Master Guild, which, after a long period of work, published a definition of Finnish sauna culture.
– The labelling was supposed to be published last week, but we were delayed, Paasonen says.
So it is not a reaction to an international celebrity’s social media post, but the result of a longer goal-oriented work.
– Sauna and Finnish sauna have been defined differently for a long time. Our purpose is to preserve the Finnish sauna culture so that it remains the same for the next 50 years, says Paasonen.
A carefully considered list
Saunamestari Kilta is an association that aims to maintain specifically Finnish sauna culture and traditions. The guild, which has been operating since the 1990s, has been working on the insignia for months.
– We have thought carefully about wording in order to preserve the Finnish tradition. People have been born and died in the sauna. There is dried grain. These have changed, but we want to respect traditions, says Paasonen.
Many Finns criticized Tate’s publication, where she takes a sauna at the bottom of a 50-degree sauna with a towel and pants to protect her legs.
Paasonen is kind to Tate.
– Everyone can enjoy the sauna the way they want. It is not bound to 70 degrees, 100 degrees or 50 degrees. However, in a traditional Finnish sauna, it is 70–100 degrees and the stove stones must be hot. I don’t accept a 50-degree room as a sauna, says Paasonen.
At the end of this article, there is a test with which you can evaluate how well the sauna you use meets the hallmarks of a Finnish sauna.
According to the chairman of the guild of sauna masters, a sauna that meets three quarters of the criteria is traditional enough.
New recommendation for decking
It is essential in a traditional Finnish sauna that the heater is hot and can be used to create steam in the sauna room. One of the most significant new guidelines in the guild’s program work is the height of the boards.
According to the recent recommendation, there should be no more than 110 centimeters between the ceiling and the top shelf, and 120 centimeters in a smoke sauna. Similarly, the footboards should be located above the stove stones.
– Löyly’s law is thus implemented best. The warm air rises up, so platforms located too low burn unnecessary energy to heat the sauna room. Let’s use the heat where it is, says Paasonen.
Paasose has good news for those whose sauna does not meet the guild’s recommended characteristics.
– Everyone can build anything, but here are the hallmarks of a sauna according to the Finnish sauna tradition.
– Everyone can enjoy the sauna in the best way for themselves. You have to get your body and mind clean there.
You can use the test below to find out how well your sauna or the one you use fulfills the hallmarks of Finnish tradition. After the test, you can also familiarize yourself with the recommendations of the Sauna Master Guild in their entirety.
Below is the Saunamestari Kilta ry’s complete list of hallmarks of a sauna according to the authentic Finnish tradition. Three saunas that meet the four criteria can invite traditions to be followed.
*What do you think about the hallmarks of a Finnish sauna? You can discuss the topic on 20.4. until 11 p.m.*