Why is the Japanese take a shower in front of the bathroom: the bath features in Japanese

Japanese society has managed to retain many ancient national traditions that coexist perfectly with the modern lifestyle. Among them are numerous ceremonies that fill the everyday life of the Japanese family. Throughout the world, known for the so-called "tea ceremony". Japan has its own national characteristics and reception baths, or Japanese 'ofuro ". One of the traditions of the country, related to the Japanese "bathhouse ceremony" - a compulsory shower before visiting the ofuro. We will understand why it should be done.

What is Japanese bath ofuro

Japanese - one of the most cleanly people, they jealously watching their appearance. Therefore, the daily bath receiving a tradition deeply rooted in the national mentality. Ofuro today is not just a tribute to tradition, but also an urgent need for every citizen of the rising sun.

Interesting! How important is for the Japanese bath, she speaks her name, consisting of two parts: the prefix "on» (お) and «furo» (風 呂). The second part of the word itself means "bath" and "o" is a prefix expressing polite, respectful attitude of the speaker to the subject mentioned them.

traditional ofuro

The first mention of the ofuro refer to the beginning of our era. Japanese since ancient times liked to relax in the geothermal energy, with which they are so rich volcanic islands. Later, the most ingenious of them (or most lazy?) Decided to arrange such healing springs right at home. For these purposes, originally used barrels made of cedar wood, oak or larch. There were also variations in the form of depressions in the ground, lined with stone inside.

The design of traditional ofuro looked: Capacity circular or oval shape, with a diameter of about one and a half meters and a depth of 80-90 cm.

Take a bath in Japan, unlike in Russia and the Western countries, it made sitting on the shoulders submerged in water. To do this in the bath-ofuro there is a special stile. It can be used as a stepping stone, and as a kind of chair.

Heated water in the tank to heat raskalonnmi stones, which fell into the water, or by using a special design of stove.

Modernity

Even today, with the most expensive square meters, the Japanese are not willing to give up the luxury of having their own traditional bath in the apartment. However, she was a little reminiscent of the wooden or stone vats in which loved to bask medieval samurai. Modern ofuro is a high-tech product of the technological revolution.

Let now the Japanese industry plumbing including bathtubs, comparable only to that of the modern production of the automotive industry.

Reference! Ofuro have a body with a powerful thermal insulation in order to avoid unnecessary heat loss. Built-in or plug computerized 'climate control' maintains a predetermined temperature and water circulation.

Temperature

It should be said about the temperature of the water in the Japanese ofuro. It compared with a bath, which we used to take quite high, averaging 45-55 °, and in some cases reaches up to 60-65 °.

Important! Ofuro as Russian bath, long credited with many medicinal properties. It perfectly tones, restoring wasted day force.

To enhance the medicinal properties of the water bath are added various medicinal and aromatic additives: pine sawdust, herbs, flavorings.

Attention! Even the official medicine recognizes Japanese traditional bath undoubted benefits for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Bath not to wash: the Japanese take a bath

As you can see, the traditional Japanese bath-ofuro, oddly enough, is not intended for washing. This, in fact, lies the answer to the question: "Why do the Japanese, before you take a bath, wash thoroughly in the shower?"

How does the Japanese bathroom

A typical bathroom in the Japanese apartment typically consists of an entrance hall, waiting room, in which there is a sink, a wash basin and a washing machine. Here the Japanese undress before you get in the proper washroom facilities. Dirty clothes loaded into the machine, and as long as the Japanese take water treatments, his clothes washed.

In most bathroom set bath-ofuro, and next to it - a normal shower. And to save space, it is not traditional to have a shower, just a shower-head, fitted on a tiled wall.

The bathroom floor has done a drain hole to drain the shower water in sewers, and on top of them put a wooden lattice or synthetic mats. Another feature of the Japanese soul - the mandatory presence of a small chair. After all, here it decided not to take a shower standing up, as we do, and sitting.

In the bath - the shower!

So, before you immerse your body in the healing hot bath, the Japanese thoroughly wash off the sweat of labor in the shower.

The ofuro is forbidden to use soap water! Therefore, to prevent the ingress of muddy water and suds it closes special lid or rubber mat.

Water, like electricity in Japan is not cheap, despite the fact that the country is located in the middle of the ocean.

Important! Ofuro filled only once a day, in the evening, and the whole family in turn relaxes in her.

Exactly so it falls into the bath only after the shower.

A bath for the whole family

Traditionally, the first takes toning treatment head of the family, and then - his wife. And then later in the ofuro sink their offspring. Small children who can not be left alone in a hot tub, the parents take with them. However, this scheme is conditional enough. And the couple, especially newlyweds, ofuro easily enjoy each other's company.

Today, many ancient national traditions are disappearing. But ofuro remains part and parcel of modern Japanese life. Reverent attitude of the Japanese to their national bath reminiscent of the attitude to the Russian bath or Finnish - a sauna.