After Europeans arrived in America, they found NativeAmericans using sweat lodgesas part of their religious rituals. Some Native Americans still use sweat lodges today. In these small houses, people pour water over hot rocks to make steam. They believe this is good for their bodies and minds.
In Japan, natural hot springs called onsen are quite famous. The country’s many activevolcanoesgive these springs their heat. Frequenttrips to the baths are good for one’s health. However, visitors must follow strictrules at the onsen . For example, some don’t allow the use of bathing suits.
People in many countries are fond of going to saunasto relax, but many don’t know that the word sauna actually comes from Finnish. These hot rooms are especially popular in Finland’s cold, northern climate. In fact, many Finnish people have one in their home.
Bathhouses also have a long history in Russia, where they are called banyas and have been popular for hundreds of years. A banya usually includes a cold pool and a sauna room. According to Russia’s traditional stories, there is a spirit living in the banya . Thus, people are careful to be polite in the banya so the spirit won’t get angry.
