Banya

/ˈbɑːnjə/ noun

Definition

A traditional Russian steam bath similar to a sauna, where people heat themselves and then cool off with cold water or snow.

Etymology

From Russian 'баня' (banya), with roots possibly in Old Slavic words related to heating; has been part of Russian culture for over a thousand years.

Kelly Says

Russians have used banyas for so long that they're mentioned in 11th-century chronicles, and many Russians believe the extreme temperature changes have real health benefits.

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