Women's Ceremonies
This collection follows the bathing rituals carried specifically by and for women — steam ceremonies for new mothers, purification rites led by practitioners, and healing circles built around shared vulnerability. These are traditions where the knowledge itself, not just the heat, is what gets handed down.
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Baby's Sauna Ritual
Nestled in the picturesque setting of Daugmale, Latvia, Olitas Pirtiņa stands as a sanctuary of tradition and warmth. This quaint haven is not just a place; it's a cherished space where the Staņķo family weaves a tapestry of heartwarming Latvian traditions. At the heart of these age-old customs i...
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Pirts Ritual - Ziedlejas Gaujmaļi, Latvia
Content note: This film contains non-sexual nudity, shown as it occurs in traditional bathing practice. Viewer discretion is advised.
In the enchanting retreat of Ziedlejas Gaujmaļi, nestled within the picturesque landscape of Siguldas Novads, Latvia, a unique and spiritually rich ritual unfolds...
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Steam with Soul
Content note: This film contains non-sexual nudity, shown as it occurs in traditional bathing practice. Viewer discretion is advised.
In this excerpt from the Russia episode of our 7-part docuseries, Perfect Sweat, we journey to St. Petersburg, Russia, to uncover the secrets of the banya. Author...
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Bukhara: Women's Hammam
Content note: This film contains non-sexual nudity, shown as it occurs in traditional bathing practice. Viewer discretion is advised.
Explore a compelling ethnographic journey into a time-honored, female-centered tradition in Bukhara, a historic crossroads of the Silk Road. The journey starts wi...
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Bali's Sanctuary Sauna
Note: Multiple languages spoken. Select CC to turn on English subtitles.
Bali's Sanctuary Sauna: the Sacred Banya Ritual at Teplo Concept Ubud
Join us as we explore "Bali's Sanctuary Sauna," an intimate look at the weekly women's retreat at Teplo Concept in Ubud. A community of women of differ... -
Mooska
Content note: This film contains non-sexual nudity, shown as it occurs in traditional bathing practice. Although it has been blurred, viewer discretion is advised.
Experience the profound healing ritual of the Võromaa smoke sauna tradition, a practice deeply rooted in Estonian culture and honore...
