Whisk-ers* — the first sauna accessory

The right tools make work easier. Apps give us so many options. Seasonings sharpen the taste of foods. Earrings and other jewelry sparkle up a person’s image. Flowers add much to the landscaping around a home.

It’s true for saunas too — accessories can improve the experience. I wrote about sauna scents in an April post, my first comment in an occasional series.

But the real first accessory is the time-honored birch-leaf whisk-er, known in Finland as a vihta or vasta (depending on which part of Finland you lived in). While that tradition never got passed on in my family, it’s important, for some people anyway. 

So, I’ll be exploring the use of whisks in the next several posts — from mentions in historical documents to tips for use and how to make one (with a possible video!). I plan to try it out as well, though I’m apprehensive (to say the least). 

* By now you know whisk-ers are not chin stubble. Nor do I mean whisk-ey or other alcoholic beverages.

Nikki

Buy a copy of Some Like It Hot: The Sauna, Its Lore and Stories from the publisher North Star Press of St. Cloud, Minnesota, or from local booksellers. 

For a personally inscribed copy, send $20 (which includes tax and shipping costs) to: Nikki Rajala, P.O. Box 372, Rockville, Minnesota 56369.