5 Ancient Sauna Traditions in Estonia: Cleansing Through Nature and Spirit
For Estonians, the sauna has always been more than just a place to relax or wash. It has been a sacred space of ancient rituals, where the healing of body and spirit, belief in the power of nature, and preparation for life’s milestones all came together. Today, saunas are mostly seen as places for relaxation, but for our ancestors, they meant so much more. Here are five of Estonia’s oldest sauna traditions that reflect the depth of our history and culture.
1. The sauna as a place of purity and healing
Traditionally, Estonians viewed the sauna as a space for both physical and spiritual cleansing. It was a place to go when one was unwell or emotionally drained. It was believed that the heat and steam of the sauna could help the body rid itself of illnesses and toxins. If someone felt sick or tired, the sauna was the place to restore balance. This belief remains strong even today — many still visit the sauna to recover from illness and relieve stress.
2. Whisking with birch – a health ritual in rhythm with nature
One of the oldest and most familiar sauna traditions is whisking with birch branches. This wasn’t just a physical act to stimulate circulation, but also a meaningful spiritual ritual. Birch was believed to have healing properties, and whisking was seen as a way to cleanse both body and soul. Through this process, people sought inner peace and balance — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
3. The holiday and life event sauna
Visiting the sauna was closely connected to the major moments of daily life. Before Christmas, Easter, or other important occasions, people would go to the sauna to spiritually and physically prepare. The sauna helped them clear away the burdens of daily life and make room for peace and clarity. A key ritual was the wedding sauna, where the bride and groom would cleanse themselves before the ceremony to symbolically let go of the past and prepare for their new life together.
4. The use of herbs and plants in the sauna
The sauna was not only a place for cleansing through heat, but also for natural healing. Various herbs and plants were used in the sauna for therapeutic and relaxing effects. Birch leaves, spruce needles, and juniper branches were common, believed to purify both body and spirit. The natural aromas created a calming and healing atmosphere that helped strengthen the immune system and encourage emotional balance.
5. The sauna as a rite of passage
The sauna also played a role in important transitional moments in life. Young men and women would visit the sauna before entering adulthood, marriage, or other new life stages. The process was both physical and spiritual — a ritual of purification and preparation. It allowed one to symbolically wash away the past and step into the next chapter of life with renewed strength and clarity.
In Conclusion
Estonian sauna traditions have always been more than just routines for cleanliness — they are deeply rooted in maintaining balance between body, mind, and spirit. From birch whisking and herbal healing to holiday preparations and major life events, these traditions reflect a deep connection between humans and nature. While today the sauna is often just a place to unwind, we should remember that for our ancestors, it was a sacred space for healing and transformation.
The sauna is not merely a place for washing — it is a way of life, guiding us back to our roots in nature and spirituality.
