Also an Estonian word for a warm room (temperatures around 80-140°C) "used for cleansing and relaxation even more importantly". Pronounced "sow-na" not "saw-na". Can also be accompanies by the drinking of
beer, or even
better, vodka (From a bottle that has been kept in a freezer... goes down like water!)! For the more daring, in early winter can be accompanied by a jump in the lake, as long as the
ice isn't too thick. For the REALLY daring, cut a hole in the
ice (not too deep out) and jump in. For those bordering on INSANE, you can cut two holes in the
ice a distance apart, run a rope between them (in the water) and
pull yourself between the two holes. Not recommended for those who are
drunk.
Sauna is extremely important to Finns and Estonians. If either has not been in a sauna for more than a week, this is cause to see a psychiatrist.
Another traditional aspect to the sauna is the vihta. This essentially is a bunch of small
birch twigs (with many leaves) bundled together. This bundle is dipped in cold water, then warmed on the sauna stove to soften the leaves. The vihta is that lightly slapped onto the body. Very good for the circulation. Other materials have been used for vihtas when
birch is not available. Some the author has seen/heard of are oak leaves and
cedar. Oak leaves are much more resilient that
birch, but to not create as nice a smell in the sauna.
