The Sauna

The sauna - not only is it a Finnish tradition, but it's also a tradition commonly enjoyed within the Upper Peninsula. As most Yoopers know, the Finnish heritage is quite common within the U.P. Not only did people from Finland immigrate to the Upper Peninsula during the 1800 and 1900's to find better lives for themselves and their families, but people from Sweden, Germany, Slovenia, and many other European countries did the same. They not only brought with them their lifestyles and beliefs, but also items that they enjoyed back in their home country. For the Finnish people, the sauna is one such item they thoroughly enjoyed. And I myself am glad that they did.

The first known saunas to ever exist were constructed out of a pit in the ground and basically served the same purpose as today's modern saunas. Stones were placed in the pit where they were heated. Then, water would be splashed onto the stones where steam would become produced and immediately, the temperature in the dwelling where the pit was located would rise. And thus, a traditional sauna could be enjoyed. Those kind of saunas are referred to smoke saunas - and it took about six to eight hours to warm a smoke sauna to the proper temperatures by burning lots of wood and then letting the heat out. This type of sauna gives heat up to 12 hours. Although not commonly enjoyed anymore, they are still used for more special occasions such as popular holidays in Finland.

Present-day saunas are commonly enjoyed with the use of stoves. Wood stoves seem to be the most conventional means of enjoying a sauna, however, electric stoves have become much more popular in recent years and new technology has even made gas stove and solar powered saunas an option. With an electric stove, you no longer have to worry about getting wood to heat your sauna, although you may be losing some of the tradition and nuance enjoyed with a true Finnish sauna. Whatever the case, a sauna can be enjoyed by anyone, and you certainly don't need to live in the U.P. or Finland to enjoy it. But if you are in the Upper Peninsula, at least use the proper Finnish pronunciation - SOW-na!

It seems that once you've enjoyed a traditional Finnish-style sauna, you get hooked. I've grown up with saunas all my life and I can't imagine my life without them. But some people just might not like the heat and will refuse to enter a sauna. Most saunas you see at motels or sports facilities aren't traditional Finnish saunas. Sure, you may take steam in them, but typically don't spend a lot of time within them and you certainly don't wash yourself in these facilities. At least within traditional Finnish saunas, not only do you enjoy the heat and steam of a sauna, but you also get clean, too. But there are a variety of saunas you can enjoy, from wet, dry, smoke, and steam saunas. Finnish saunas are generally of the smoke and wet varieties.

Whether you're new to the Upper Peninsula or are visiting for the first time, it probably won't be uncommon to hear saunas referenced or to see a sauna where you are staying. More and more people are building saunas within their homes or on their property if they previously didn't have then. It's a wonderful Finnish tradition that has taken root within the Upper Peninsula all thanks to our Finnish relatives from days gone by. And if you're leery about entering a sauna for the first time, it doesn't hurt to at least give it a try to see if you like it. If you don't, then you'll know for sure. At least we know one thing, the sauna is not in any danger of going away anytime soon.