A bathhouse is a great way of healing at any time of the year. Many men and women visit her at least once a month. A large number of phraseological units are associated with the bath, the meaning of which not everyone knows. From our article you can find out them, as well as find out the history of the bathhouse.
The history of the creation and development of the bath. First mention
A bathhouse is a special building in which you can get rid of stress and some other problems. Its history begins from the 1st century AD. So thought Nestor the Chronicler. Then the holy Apostle Andrew first saw people in Novgorod soaring in a special building. They went there naked, doused with water and beat each other with rods (brooms). They performed this procedure daily. At the very end, they poured ice water. Thanks to this, they felt much better. The bathhouse was very popular then. The history of this building is not known to everyone.
Nestor the Chronicler claims that Princess Olga wanted revenge on the Drevlyans who killed her husband. She ordered to melt the bathhouse for the offenders, and then set the building on fire with them. Drevlyane burned alive.
Russia was often visited by foreign travelers. That is why over time, baths began to appear in other countries. They were significantly different from domestic ones. Scientists say that neither the Germans nor the French could stand the heat. Foreigners believed that the bathhouse is a useful building, thanks to which it is possible to strengthen the immune system. However, they argued that soaring as in Russia is harmful. Many European doctors today believe that it is necessary to know the measure, otherwise women and men age prematurely, and the skin turns pale and loses elasticity.
Foreign travelers believed that Russians have a love for a strong couple. They considered it their duty to visit the bathhouse on Saturday. They did this weekly. They claimed that some Russians preferred not to steam in a bath, but in a red-hot oven. In some villages, they do it today. To do this, all coals are removed from the hot furnace, and its floor is covered with straw. On top of it there is a cast-iron tub with hot water. The steamed should lie on the straw and whip himself with a birch broom.
The bathhouse is very popular all over the world. The history of its occurrence has several versions. Scientists suggest that the Russian bath is the oldest. Mention of it can be found in the oral work of the Slavs. They were pagans. That is why they attached great importance to the forces of fire and water.
Baths used to play a huge role in everyone’s life. Confirmation of this can serve as the contract of 907 with Byzantium. A separate clause indicated a prerequisite according to which our ambassadors could use the baths of Constantinople at any time. Mention of the Russian bathhouse can be found in the "Tales of Bygone Years" and foreign chronicles.
Previously, the bath was puzzling to foreign guests. They did not understand why they should pour ice water and beat themselves with rods. For them, this is voluntary torture. However, once deciding on this, they were delighted.
The appearance of the bath in Russia is significantly different from the modern one. Previously, they were small log cabins with one window, which was located under the ceiling. The gaps between the logs were covered with resin or filled with moss. In the corner there was a huge stove that heated the room and the stones located on top. In the bath was also a container of water. It was used to water hot stones. Until the 17th century, everyone was allowed to build a bathhouse. It was necessary to have only a sufficient amount of land. After the 17th century, the bathhouse was allowed to be built only at a certain distance from the apartment building.
Until 1743, a public bath was open to all. There the whole family was steaming in the same room. However, in 1743 a decree was issued according to which the bathhouse had to have a male and female part.
The development of bath rooms was promoted by Peter I. By his order, steam rooms for soldiers were erected in Amsterdam and Paris. After the end of the war with Napoleon, Russian troops built baths in almost all the liberated countries.
The benefits of a bathhouse
In Russia, baths have always been given a healing value and that is why over time they were built near each hospital. Since ancient times, people visited the bathhouse not only to wash, but also to sweat and warm the body. It is known that due to this it is possible to relax and strengthen mental activity. The healing properties of the bath were studied in 1778. It was assumed that a visit to the bathhouse allows you to get rid of all diseases. At the beginning of the 20th century, the bath was recommended for obesity, rheumatism and gout.
Many people know about the benefits of the bath today. Thanks to it, you can cleanse the skin of old cells and remove harmful toxic substances from the body. The bathhouse on the human cardiovascular system is of great benefit. Baths value is invaluable. Visiting it regularly, you can improve blood circulation, as well as normalize metabolic processes in the cells. Thanks to the bath, nervous tension is reduced.
Doctors often recommend visiting a bathhouse for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. This is due to the fact that due to this, the number of leukocytes in the blood increases, which are responsible for the immune defense of the body. A bathhouse is a room, after visiting which muscles relax and vital activity is restored.
A bathhouse is especially useful for those who are faced with a cold. After several visits, the human immune defense is restored and easily copes with the disease. Staying in the bath allows you to expand the vessels. Thanks to this, you can also lose weight.
Origin of the word. Bath "in black" and "in white"
The word "bath" has several versions of origin. Russian bath literature claims that it came from Byzantium after the baptism of Russia. In the church dictionary, the bathhouse is “bathhouse”, “purification”. The ancient roots of the word and their primary meaning are found in Latin and Greek. There is a connection with the original concept in other languages. The ancient name of the bathhouse is “tidy” and “moven”. These words called the place of ablution. They also indicate the washing process itself. The meaning of the word "bath" and today causes a lot of controversy.
The “black” and “white” baths are phraseological units that are known to almost all lovers of this procedure. Not many people know their meaning. It's all about the warm-up mechanism. Many years ago, the bathhouse was heated in only one way, which today is called black. The main difference between these two types is the presence of an impenetrable partition between the hearth of the furnace and the interior of the steam room. If it is installed and prevents smoke from entering the room, then this is a white bath. Otherwise, it is black. However, such a bath is in demand today. It is considered more economical and efficient. The blackhouse is the safest. Fungi do not survive in it, bacteria die almost immediately.
The meaning of some phrases
Today you can often hear the phrase "set the bath." The meaning of phraseology originates from ancient times. People who have just stepped out of the steam room are distinguished by reddening of the skin, an abundance of sweat and rapid breathing. The person who was shamed or scolded looks about the same. This is considered the meaning of phraseology. As we said earlier, the Apostle Andrew considered bathing procedures a voluntary torment.
Another interesting expression is “to whom it is, and to a lousy - a bathhouse”. The value of phraseology allows you to use it quite often. This expression is often applied to someone who constantly returns to an obsessive topic in conversation.
Bath traditions
The bath has existed since ancient times. Many life events are associated with it. In ancient times, it was a sacred place. It was believed that in the bath room all the elements of nature are combined and that is why after visiting it, the well-being improves significantly.
Many years ago, there was a tradition according to which it was necessary to take a steam bath in the bath the day before and after the wedding. It was believed that due to this, not only the body, but also the soul is purified. It is known that in ancient times people believed that if the bathhouse did not help to get rid of the disease, then nothing will help the person.
Superstitions related to the bathhouse
A considerable amount of superstition is associated with the bathhouse. Until the 20th century, our ancestors worshiped the spirit of the dead. They cooked dinner for them and drowned the bath. She had clean towels and scattered ash. The next day, the ancestors found on the ashes prints similar to chicken. According to them, the souls of the dead left traces. Priests denied this and claimed that demons came to the steam room. After carrying out this ritual, it was forbidden to enter the bathhouse for the whole next day.
The opinion that demons live in the bathhouse exists today. That is why since ancient years it is forbidden to put icons and pray in this room. It was also believed that you can’t visit the steam room on Sunday. Otherwise, the likelihood of frequent diseases increases.
Not many people know the meaning of the word "banish." This term refers to the place where the steam room was previously located. It was forbidden to build a hut there, since it was believed that an unclean spirit would live there for many more years.
It was in the bathhouse in ancient times that special conspiracies were read over people who are sick with fever, and also have skin problems or complain of dislocations and fractures. It was believed that in the bath you can wash away all sins.
In some regions of Russia, they believed in the so-called bathing grandmother. It was believed that this is an elderly woman who helps get rid of any ailment. It was she who was addressed when they read conspiracies over the patient. However, it was believed that she does not like pregnant women. That is why future women in labor could not be left in the bathhouse unattended.
In ancient times, people also believed in the existence of the bathhouse. They claimed that after three lines of people visited the steam room, a bath house was going to wash. It is dangerous to perform the procedure at this time. It was believed that the bath will not allow to take a steam bath. At best, he scares, and at worst, tortures to death. Often in the baths conjured. That bathhouse was also often a place for fortune telling. When leaving the room, the banner was always thanked.
Bathhouse. Pros and Cons
The steam room is in great demand today. Many are attracted to the bathhouse. A photo of such a structure is presented in our article.
Since ancient times, the bathhouse was located separately from the apartment building. This was due to superstition and the possible ignition of the steam room. It is believed that in our time, a bath can be safely placed in the house. Such a building is considered particularly comfortable in the winter season. Thanks to the bathhouse located in the house, there is no need to go steamed around the yard. The advantage of such a construction also lies in the economy. This is not accidental, because there is no need to erect another structure on the adjacent site.
There are two known options for placing a bath in a house. In the first case, it is located in the basement, and in the other, it is attached directly to the residential building.
A few cons has a bath house. You can find a photo of this design in our article. Experts recommend building a bath at a distance of 20 meters from the apartment building. It is worth noting that insurance companies often refuse to provide services to those citizens who have a steam room in a residential building.
Bath in the life of the Romans
The value of baths in the life of the Romans is invaluable. There they were called terms. They were revered by Caesars, and it was precisely in them that the Roman conquerors had fun. They used baths not only for washing, but also for communication. In large steam rooms there was a library, a pool, as well as a games and massage room. The most influential Romans visited the bath three times a week. There were also special steam rooms for low-income citizens. All baths differed in humidity and temperature. The Romans believed that thanks to the bath, you can restore your strength after a hard day.
Roman bath today
The modern Roman bath is a steam room with marble heated sunbeds. There, without fail, a sink or a fountain with thermal water is installed. Anyone can use aromatic oils to flavor the air. Experts strongly recommend that you drink enough water before and after a visit. You can stay in such a steam room for no more than 30 minutes. The Roman Bath also offers massage services and a beautician. In this case, it will have the maximum effect.
"Enjoy Your Bath!"
Phraseologism "Enjoy your steam!" known to almost everyone. Many believe that this desire is a good steam. However, this is not the case. As mentioned earlier, a large number of superstitions are associated with the bathhouse. Previously, such phraseology was a kind of spell, thanks to which a person who went to the steam room would be protected from the bathhouse. Our ancestors believed that after such a wish, a mythical creature could not do anything.
To summarize
The bath has been very popular since ancient times. It is believed that thanks to it you can relax after a hard day's work, as well as significantly improve your well-being. However, it is the steam room that is associated with many legends and superstitions. Whether it is fiction or not is unknown. However, we strongly do not recommend having a steam room in the house. This can be dangerous, because such a room is considered easily flammable.