“Sauna culture in Finland is an integral part of the lives of the majority of the Finnish population,” Unesco said. “Sauna culture, which can take place in homes or public places, involves much more than simply washing oneself. In a sauna, people cleanse their bodies and minds and embrace a sense of inner peace.” – UNESCO
UNESCO has come out with their updated listing of their cultural heritage list and have included Finland’s sauna culture. In total there were 35 new entries including Polish tree beekeeping and UAE’s camel racing. This recognition only makes more official how deeply ingrained sauna culture is in Finland. In Finland the sauna was traditionally where childbirth and funeral rites were performed. There are two million saunas and 5.3 million people in the country.
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