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You know it’s almost Halloween, and you may also know we carry Finnleo Saunas. Whether you believe ghosts soak in the sauna is purely up to you! What we do know is there are two autumn harvest festivals. In America, it’s called Halloween. In Finland, it’s called Kekri.

It turns out that the Finnish Kekri has some similarities with our own Halloween and sauna bathing. Let’s take a look at the history and how ghosts come into the picture and soak in a sauna, too.

The Finnish Harvest Festival: Kekri

There is a long tradition of people celebrating with a harvest festival in autumn. It didn’t always have an exact date because it revolved around farming activities.

By the early 1800s, a date was introduced, and the festival was held at the beginning of November. People dressed up and visited family and friends.

It turns out that the festivities also involved bonfires, myths, and a bit of magic, hence the similarities to our own Halloween. There is a long tradition in Finland when it was strictly a farming society. Some of it has fallen by the wayside in our modern times.

Today, Kekri is an ancient tradition for the memorial of the dead.
Kekri has still kept its position in Finland as an ancient tradition for the memorial of the dead. It’s usually held in one city with more bonfires, music, dancing, and markets.

Halloween in Finland

It turns out that Halloween has made its way to Finland, too, where people are celebrating it during autumn festivals. There is some crossover between Kekri and Halloween, though.

For most Finns, they see Halloween as a time for partying and eating sugary food. The ghost stories have a prominent position as well.

So, what does this have to do with sauna bathing or the Finnleo Saunas?

Sauna Soaking is an Old Tradition

For centuries, the people of Finland have known something few others have. They know all the health benefits of sauna soaking.

Today, numerous medical studies prove the many health and wellness benefits of a sauna. These include better cardiovascular health, better brain health, and a faster recovery after workouts.

Because saunas are incredibly “Finnish,” their history goes back thousands of years.

Have you heard the term löyly? This is the steam that rises from the heat of the sauna. Going back to Finnish mythology, we learn löyly also refers to the soul. It turns out the Finnish people thought the sauna had a very strong connection to the underworld.

During harvest season (and Kekri), people believed that was the time the spirits and souls of dead people returned home for a visit. According to lore, they offered the sauna to the spirits. In fact, no living person could go into the sauna before the offering.

After the soak, it was time for a feast. People left a table full of food and drink for the spirits and then went into the sauna on their own. This was to let the spirits enjoy the feast.

It does seem like ghosts had a place in ancient sauna lore!

Final Thoughts on the Sauna

Saunas have always been central to life in Finland from the time of birth (yes, babies were born in the sauna) to death. And it appears they continue to hold a prominent position even after death.

According to one source, “In Finland, a sauna isn’t just bathing; it is very much part of a community. A sense of community and a sense of drawing people together. It is kind of an intimate setting. You know, you go to sauna with those that you are close to or those that you want to honor.”

As we leave the ghosts behind after Halloween, we encourage you to learn more about Finnleo Saunas. They have so many health benefits and are not only great for your body and your mind but apparently your soul, too!

Come see us today!