Bathing Traditions and Cultures Around the World

At House of Luf, we are experts of bathing culture. Our products are inspired by the centuries-long traditions of the Ottoman hammam culture. We also acknowledge that bathing culture has been a very significant part of everyday life in many different societies across the world. We love to take inspiration from different cultures and societies to learn and adapt so that we can achieve the best bathing experience for all House of Luf lovers.

Romans were known for the baths they built across the empire. Many of them are still around today, even in the UK. The Roman baths in Bath were designed for public bathing and were in use until the end of Roman rule in Britain.

Nordics are also famous for their spas and baths even to this day. The tradition of saunas as well as baths are a big part of the Nordic bathing culture. The very first Swedish bathhouse was founded in 1269. Even then using birch twigs to whip clients’ skin for scrubing and freshness was a common practice- one which still continues today. In mid 18th century, bath houses started to fall out of fashion, not opening again until mid 19th century.  

Japan also has a very unique bathing culture, in the form of Onsens. As a volcanic island (which is the source of natural thermal water), Japan has more than 20,000 Onsen facilities located across the country. Onsens are a place for relaxation, purification and social gathering.

Across the Ottoman empire, Hammams (or also commonly known as Turkish Baths) were a place for calm, tranquillity, serenity, and rejuvenation. The lands of Anatolia, with home to many ancient traditions of Greek and Roman bath houses, inspired the Ottoman Hammam culture and traditions and in a global world, we strive to find the best possible ways to make every bathing experience better for all House of Luf lovers out there.

from the famous Ferzan Ozpetek film, Hammam 1997

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