Bathroom Culture: Bathing rituals from around the world

7 Jan

Washing ritual in bali - people washing in river — **From Bali to Budapest**

Many countries and cultures across the globe have their own unique bathing rituals. For some, it’s all about wellness in body and mind. For others, it has religious or symbolic meaning. Whatever your preference, when you finally get that ‘me time’, take inspiration from these five very different routines and choose elements to suit your own needs and lifestyle.
[Photo credit: Pexels]

Japan

East Asia’s bathing rituals are all about respect, care and the utmost precision. With thousands of years of practice, the art of Japanese bathing is very much a meditative state that starts with a dedicated room that simply houses a deep, plunge pool-style tub, often made from a fragrant and antibacterial wood such as Hinoki cypress or teak. There should be a window to look out of while you bathe, an open area with a floor drain and a wooden bucket and stool if you’re going to follow it to the letter. In Japan there are four steps to bathing. First, you sit on the stool and use a bucket to rinse away dirt with hot water scooped from the filled bath. Next, step into and sit in the tub to open up your pores and unwind. The third step involves sitting on the stool once again to scrub with soap and loofah then finally, rinse off thoroughly and take a long soak in the bath. The Japanese tend to perform this ritual in the early evening before dining to cleanse and refresh the body before a relaxing evening at home. If the thought of a bucket doesn’t appeal, you can use a hand shower instead.

The Netherlands & Finland

If you weren’t aware of Dutch-born Wim Hof before, then maybe you’ve seen the BBC show Freeze the Fear, where eight celebrities face a series of ice-cold challenges to push their minds and bodies to the limit. The Wim Hof Method® is aimed to help us realise our full potential by connecting with the natural environment and this means embracing cold water to feel its health benefits. These include reduced inflammation, a better immune system, balanced hormones, improved sleep and a release of the feel-good chemicals, endorphins. To achieve this, simply immerse yourself in an ice-cold bath or take regular, short cold showers. The key is to build up the length of time while controlling your breathing, heart rate and blood circulation. Never exceed 15 minutes in an ice bath and work up to this gradually. Cold water immersion can also help with recovery and injury prevention for runners and athletes.

Hand drawn Japanese building with blossom tree and mountain

India

For the Hindu faith, taking a bath is an essential daily ritual, as it’s believed that bathing cleanses the body, mind and soul. A morning soak in cold water is said to remove negative energy with 4am (before sunrise) being the optimum time. If this super-early start doesn’t appeal, try to fit in a quick one before work and you’ll feel the benefits all day long. Add herbal salts or powders for glowing skin and try some meditation or simple contemplation to relax. Even if this just means going through things you need to get done during the day in your head, it can help you to focus and remain calm. In India, water nourishes and purifies the spirit and bathing under flowing water or a waterfall is an ancient practice. The next best thing at home could involve a waterfall bath tap or rain shower, which are both relaxing and invigorating. Finish by applying moisturiser or oils to help balance body and mind.

Bali

Anyone who’s travelled to Bali has probably seen or had a Balinese flower bath. This tradition of a colourful petal-strewn tub is used as a healing ritual and can often be found in a luxurious spa as part of a restorative and relaxing experience. At home, you can recreate a flower bath with a freestanding tub made from a heat-retaining material such as cast iron, steel or a solid surface and add natural bath oils for a calming and contemplative soak.

“Flowers and herbs in bath water such as jasmine, frangipani and lotus have natural revitalising and cleansing properties while promoting a sense of peace and wellbeing, leaving you fully refreshed and recharged,” says Leanne Robey, Senior Designer from Ripples Newbury. “For the full authentic experience, drink some tea and use a body scrub then shower off afterwards.”

Hungary

Modern-day rituals are somewhat different in Hungary and bath parties are where it’s at! The Hungarian tradition of spas from centuries ago has now evolved into the ‘sparty’, a club with DJ sets and cocktails set in a geothermal hot spring. Perfect for a Friday or Saturday night, you can create this vibe at home by kitting your bathroom out with feature lighting and Bluetooth speakers to enjoy your very own bathroom party.

Image credit: Simply, Katy | @simply_katy | simplykaty.co.uk