The Russian Banya - Russian Sauna - History

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Herodotus

The evidence that Russian Banya (Russian sauna) has existed on the vast territories inhabited by Slavic peoples long before the creation of Russian states is found in the writings of Herodotus. The great historian tells the myth about Hercules travelling to the Black Sea region and describes how strong and mighty men use a banya. They built a hut, covered it with felt,and placed a huge tub with red-hot stones inside. Then they took a hempseed and threw it onto the stones. Herodotus tells that after this the vapor was so hot that no Hellenic bath could be compared with the Russian Sauna.

From Herodotus we also find out that ancient Slavs ritually cleansed themselves in Banya after burying the dead. Women used Banya to purify and beautify their body. This institution played an important in Slavic myths: it was esteemed by gods and by men, who washed there on the days of birth, marriage and death.

Ancient Slavs

Interestingly, in ancient times, Slavic tribes, who were subdued by the stronger ones had to pay tribute with whisks (a special besom made of various branches with leaves used in Banya (Sauna) - one of the most important attributes of that Russian institution). Great Russian chronicler Nestor, the author of the first book written in Russian language, tells how Apostle Andrew, travelling to Great Novgorod, saw people in wooden banyas. Naked and joyous, they beat each other with the whisks and in the end pour ice-cold water on themselves, "thus washing themselves, and not tormenting."

Chirstian Russians

After Russians took Constantinopol, under Prince Oleg, they accepted some of the Western ideas, innovations, and traditions, including Orthodox Chirstianity, medical knowledge, etc. Pechora Monks started using banya to heal the sick; Prince Vladimir - Baptizer of Russia - called banya in one of his decrees "an institution for disabled "; as a result, banyas (saunas) became the first medical institutions in Russia and furthered the medical research among Monks, the most educated part of the population.

Mongol Yoke

When Batu-Khan - Grandson of Genghiz Khan - saw the crazy Russians in the winter of 1237 jumping out of wooden huts, red and hot, into the cold water, his aides explained to him that the secret of Russian strength is in this "excercise." Indeed this tradition with dramatic change in temperatures, hitherto alive, was proven to be extremely healthy. Yet it did not help Russians, who were conquered by Mongol Hordes and stayed under their Yoke, until the oppressed absorbed the oppressors. Banya did not cease to exist, nor did any of the Russian traditions, even though mutual Russo-Tatar influence was extraordinary.

Banya and Peter the Great

Peter the Great was very much fond of banyas. When working abroad, building up the Russian Fleet in Holland, he ordered to construct a Russian Banya for himself and for other workers. While in Paris, he surprised French people by having his grenadiers bathe in banya. Parisians gathered around the building to see how Russian soldiers would be jumping into the Seine. Peter was saying that the French air weakened the soldiers and Russian Banya would strenghten them.

Peter and his descendants on the throne built bath houses - banyas - a la manere of Antique Thermas and Roman Bathhouses.

Banya Takes over Europe

Russian Banyas became famous all over the world. After Napoleon had defeated and Russian Army had paraded through the territory of Europe, Russian baths were built in many Western European countries. Even before that, in 18th century, steamhouses a la Russe were built in London and New York.

German doctor of medicine Platen wrote that while Germany was overwhelmed by epidemics, due to not following basic rules of hygiene, in Russia even in the smallest village there were banyas - a wonderful hygienic and sanitary institution.

Tennis coach Prof. Beliz-Geiman described how popular Russian Banya is among Hollywood actors and Air Force pilots.

Contents

Herodotus

Ancient Slavs

Christian Russians

Mongol Yoke

Banya and Peter I

Banya takes over Europe