välikappana

Välikappana is a traditional Finnish sauna accessory. It is a small, often wooden, bucket or pail specifically designed for carrying water to the sauna stove. The purpose of välikappana is to create steam, known as "löyly" in Finnish, by carefully pouring water onto the hot stones of the sauna heater. The size of a välikappana can vary, but they are generally small enough to be held comfortably with one hand. They are typically made from wood, such as pine or spruce, which is a common material in Finnish sauna construction and accessories. Some välikappana may also feature a metal handle for durability and ease of use. The design is often simple and functional, reflecting the practical nature of Finnish sauna culture. The use of a välikappana is integral to the sauna experience, allowing individuals to control the humidity and temperature of the steam. The term itself is a combination of Finnish words, with "väli" meaning between or intermediate, and "kappana" referring to a small bucket or pail. Therefore, välikappana can be understood as a small bucket used in the context of the sauna.