The Decline of Traditional Bathing Practices in the 18th Century

What factors contributed to the decline of saunas and steam baths in Europe during the 18th century?

a. Medical advancements decreasing the need for sauna
b. Industrial revolution and modernity weakening traditional customs

Answer:

The decline of traditional bathing practices like saunas and steam baths in the 18th century was due to progress in medical science and the rise of modern hygiene, facilitated by the industrial revolution and improvements in indoor plumbing.

During the 18th century, a transformation in hygiene practices occurred in Europe as medical science progressed, making traditional methods like steam baths and saunas less prevalent. The advent of indoor plumbing and improved heating systems facilitated easier and more frequent bathing, particularly among the middle class who saw cleanliness as a symbol of status. The industrial revolution not only introduced mass-produced bar soaps and bathroom fixtures but also shifted societal norms towards modern health standards, often at the expense of traditional customs.

Health advancements throughout the 19th and 20th centuries continued to emphasize the importance of personal hygiene in disease prevention, markedly reducing occurrences of waterborne illnesses such as cholera and typhoid fever. Urbanization brought about improvements in water supply and sanitation, which, along with new attitudes towards cleanliness, dramatically changed people's bathing habits. In contrast to earlier times when bathing was infrequent and communal bathing facilities were common, by the early 20th century, private bathrooms with modern amenities became typical in middle-class homes.

Subsequently, the status of communal bathing, including the sauna culture in Finland, declined. This was part of a larger trend where the burgeon of urban culture, expectations of leisure, and shifts in class affluence prompted a departure from historic practices that had once been integral to daily life across Europe.