Bath and the north: to history of a question and traditions of culture

The mankind used from time immemorial a bath to what results of the archaeological, ethnographic and other researches which have defined its approximate «age» over 25 centuries testify. For a long time the bath is highly appreciated at all people, is an integral part of their culture and a life. The role of the bath inseparably linked with national traditions, always was multipurpose in a life-support system of ethnoses. The bath carries out functions: hygienic, improving, removing weariness after physical work, preventive. In ceremonial rituals the bath was means of protection from evil ghosts and clarification. The magic role of a bath is connected with outlook of the people. The ceremonial bath with ritually-magic actions has practically become obsolete, but with a view of improvement, psychological influence, preservation of a healthy way of life in the people quite often come back and to these sacral traditions.