Joulusauna & the Sauna Gnomes
One of my favorite things about working for Astonishing Legends is that I am never short of exciting conversations. Recently, one of our beloved Facebook mods, Heli, told me about a holiday tradition in Finland unlike any I’d heard before: Joulusauna and the Sauna Gnomes.
Joulusauna is made up of the words "Joulu" which roughly translates to yule/Christmas, and sauna...which translates to, well, sauna. Unlike in America, where a sauna may be seen as more of a luxury experience, in Finnish culture, it’s simply a part of life. According to the Taiga Times, Finland has over 2 million saunas in a country with just 5.5 million people. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that something so essential to Finnish life has its holiday tradition.
Joulusauna is believed to be one of the oldest Finnish Yule and Christmas traditions. The aim of Joulusauna is to cleanse and purify your body and mind before the arrival of gnomes, elves, and spirits of the dead, who also seek the Sauna on Christmas Eve night.
To start the Joulusauna tradition, you must prepare the sauna for the löylyhenkki (the stream spirit) and by paying respect to the Saunatonttu, the sauna gnome. The Saunatonttu protects the sauna space and looks after the people that use it. It is important to acknowledge, thank, and leave the sauna in a respectful manner to stay in the good graces of the Saunatonttu. If you fail to do that, disregard the Saunatonttu, or even swear in the sauna it will upset your Saunatonttu. If there Saunatonttu is upset, it will dampen the mood of the sauna user and drive out those trying to enjoy their time in the sauna.
Sauna gnomes are not usually malicious unless, as mentioned above, someone disrespects their time in the sauna. They encourage regular use of the sauna and long, leisurely time. However, if you are a novice to sauna-ing, it may be best to practice a bit before fully committing. Why? If the sauna is too hot or cold, so will your sauna gnome. If you're using a modern sauna that can be controlled by a panel or switch, it will be much easier than the more traditional way of throwing water on heated stones. Your Saunatonttu may punish you for a too-hot sauna by sticking out a leg and tripping you while you stumble out of an over-heated sauna, too cold, and the Saunatonttu may play another trick on you.
On Joulusauna specifically, it is essential to have even more care and respect than a regular sauna experience. It is important to take your sauna before nightfall, as it is said that spirits and creatures will use the sauna on Christmas Eve, and you wouldn’t want to share it with them. Your Joulusauna should be more reflective and quieter than regular sauna experiences. You are supposed to be reverent during this time of the year and prepare for the year ahead.
On Joulusauna, it is crucial to be unhurried and take time in a peaceful atmosphere. It is common to have low-to-little lights in the sauna and room surrounding it, as well as candles. When everyone in their family has had their sauna, the evening is usually focused on a lovely feast with delicious food and drink to celebrate the year ahead.
The blog image is an art piece by Akseli Gallen-Kallela: Sauna interior. Sign. Korpilahti IX 1928. Oil on board 30x40 cm. This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 70 years or fewer.