The origin of the tradition of massaging with a bundle of herbs in a Russian bath

In ancient times, when Russia was ruled by noble princes, the inhabitants of these lands acquired many traditions that became an integral part of their culture. One of these traditions was the Russian bathhouse: a place where people gathered not only to cleanse their bodies but also to engage in deep conversations, maintain health, and strengthen the spirit.

However, the story that gave rise to the tradition of using birch twigs in the sauna has its roots in the myth of the great Prince Vladimir the Red Sun, who ruled in Kiev in the 10th century.

The legend tells that on one hot summer day, Prince Vladimir, overwhelmed by thirst and fatigue from political affairs, went hunting in the forests near Kiev. In search of refreshment, he ventured into the dense forest, where he encountered a wise old man who ordered him to build a bathhouse and bring a bundle of aromatic herbs.

Although the prince did not attach much importance to the old man's advice, he decided to follow it and gave the order to build the sauna. When the time came to test the new construction, Vladimir brought with him the bundle of aromatic herbs, as the old man had instructed.

As the prince immersed himself in the heat of the steam, inhaling the aromas of the herbs, he felt his tiredness and tension begin to dissipate, as if evaporating along with the sweat. His body was renewed, and his soul found peace. At that moment, Prince Vladimir understood that in the twigs, besides their aroma, there was a special force capable of cleansing both the body and the soul.

Since then, the tradition of using birch twigs in the sauna became an integral part of the Russian bathhouse. Twigs of various herbs and plants became symbols of health, purity, and spiritual well-being. People believed that using twigs not only cleansed the body of toxins but also led to tranquility and spiritual harmony.

Although time passed and the great principalities disappeared, the tradition of using twigs in the Russian sauna persisted, becoming a popular legacy passed down from generation to generation. Today, it continues to live in the hearts of those who value traditions and cherish the culture of their ancestors.

The origin of the tradition of massaging with a bundle of herbs in a Russian bath