CHRISTMAS EVE

On the morning of Christmas Eve, people started work early because they tried to be up earlier than their neighbours. It was believed that the woman who finished first would bring good farming and cattle-tending luck, helping her towards marriage at a young age. The cattle were brought enough fresh hay to eat and straw to lay on to last until New Year. People also needed enough firewood to last through the holidays.

On Christmas Eve, men went to the sauna around midday and women after them, because people believed that the earlier they went to the sauna the better the success at work would be the next year.

“Water is drawn from the well by a bucket with a long arm, and it is poured into a wooden pipe, from which the water runs into a cauldron in the cooking shelter. The sauna water is heated in the cauldron, and it also provides water for the comfort of the animals. - Obviously, the sauna of the chimneyless hut is a smoke sauna. The steam is dryish and gives a merciful heat. If you do not believe me, see for yourself.” (Rytkönen 1933, Tuohitorven mailta.)