Russian bath: 3 main roots and traditions

  • Dec 24, 2019
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Since ancient times, Russian bath was considered a special place. It is not only bathing and hygiene procedures was carried out, but also gave birth to children, performed mystical rituals girl wondered at her spouse, and witch doctors performed healing ceremonies.

It was believed that in the bath there is a special "dressing" a spirit that can steamed to death. Therefore, in the bath is not allowed is not that curse, but even to speak loudly.

History of the Russian bath

The first mention of the Russian bath are found in the chronicles dated V century AD Description baths can be found in the works of Procopius of Caesarea. In them, he noted that the hike in the bath, and water treatments are an integral part of the life of the Slavs. At that time already had a room appearance, which has been preserved to our days.

It was a building of hewn logs, the center of which was placed a large vat of hot coals. They periodically watered, whereby bath filled with steam. Melted bath specially trained people -

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swab. This profession enjoyed respect, and themselves Bannik occupied a special position in the social ladder.

In those days baths were heated only "in the black". The fact that the furnace was not chimney - the smoke escaped through cracks and windows, and soot settled on the walls.

A few protaplivany walls acquired a black color, for that room, and got its name.

"Sandunovskiye" and "Khludovskoye" baths

We should also mention the most popular baths of pre-revolutionary Moscow - Sandunovskiye and Khludovskoye. Between these two bathhouses went real battle for the right to be king-bath. Historians believe that we won this battle Sanduny. They were very popular, and even before the wedding brides recommended warm up in the "Sanduny". It was believed that this will ensure a happy family life.

Russian bath tradition

Our ancestors believed that in each bath spirit lives - swab. He lived or behind the stove or in the water, which is collected after washing. Externally spirit looked like a poor old man with gray hair and beard, and eyes goggle-eyed. To hike to the bathhouse was a success, it should comply with visiting rules baths:

  • swim just before dark;
  • not to come to the bath drunk;
  • be sure to say hello to the spirit and to ask permission to swim;
  • leaving, Bannik leave a piece of soap, water and a dipper broom, it is also able to warm up;
  • it was necessary to leave, not turning his back to the steam room, walking backwards.

There are also other traditions of visiting the baths, which have come down to the present day:

1. Using a pair of brooms. At the same time, each broom designed for a particular purpose. For example, pine was used for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, helping to hypertensive oak, lime and - at cold.

2. The use of herbal preparations. They brewed and drank, they poured the hot corners of the bath to add flavor, sprayed walls. Dried herbs hung from the ceiling and in the corners. It was believed that in a complex herbal teas can help cure many diseases.

3. After pouring cold water or steam wiping snow.

But the most important tradition - it steam without the hustle and bustle. Gradual habituation to a high temperature, slow broom massage movements with increased intensity, and relaxation inhalation para - all this must occur slowly. Only then can the body get the most out of bath procedures, relax and get rid of the accumulated fatigue.

Other channels of the article:

7 inviolable precepts in the bath

Bath for the joints - the benefits and harms?

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