äijä

"Äijä" is a term used in Finnish to describe a type of traditional Finnish sauna. The word "äijä" itself is derived from the Finnish word for sauna, "sauna," but it is often used to refer to a specific style of sauna that is more rustic and less formal than the modern, commercial saunas. Äijä saunas are typically found in rural areas and are often built using local materials such as wood and stone.

The interior of an äijä sauna is usually simple and unadorned, with a low ceiling and a small opening for the smoke to escape. The sauna itself is heated by burning wood or other biomass, and the heat is distributed through a system of pipes and stones. The sauna is typically used for relaxation and socializing, and it is common for people to gather in the sauna after a meal or other social event.

Äijä saunas are an important part of Finnish culture and tradition, and they are often seen as a way to connect with nature and with one's community. The use of äijä saunas has declined in recent years due to the increasing popularity of modern, commercial saunas, but they remain an important part of Finnish heritage and are still used by many people today.