日本人の風呂好きを語ると、まるで水と油のように古代ローマのバス文化が頭に浮かびますが、実はその起源は意外と新しいのです。庶民が湯に浸かり始めたのは江戸時代に入ってからのこと。その前は、現代のサウナに近い蒸気風呂が主流でした。
「風呂」という言葉の「風」は水蒸気、「呂」は深い部屋を意味します。中央アジアのスキタイ民族が用いていた蒸気風呂が、6世紀半ばに仏教と共に日本に伝わり、身体の汚れを落としつつ精神も清める「禊（みそぎ）」として広まりました。
当時の蒸し風呂はお寺の奥にあり、誰でも無料で利用できました。だからこそ、風呂に入ることを「もらう」や「いただく」と言うようになったのです。蒸し風呂の後には冷水浴や垢すりが行われ、まるで現代のスパのような風情が漂っていました。
蒸し風呂に入る際には「湯帷子（ゆかたびら）」という麻の単衣を着て火傷を防ぎました。この「湯帷子」の「びら」が取れ、「浴衣」となったのです。麻は水に強く乾きも早いため、浴衣に最適な素材でした。浴衣は元々人目につかない肌着のようなものでしたが、今では日本の夏の風物詩となっています。
蒸し風呂に長時間座ると、スノコの下からくる蒸気が熱く、持参した麻布を敷いて座りました。これが「風呂敷」の始まりです。元々は尻に敷くものでしたが、やがて風呂のための着替えを包むようになり、現代では裁判官が大切な資料を包むのに使うようになりました。
現代の浴衣は木綿地の単物で、シンプルかつ基本的な構造が多くの人に親しまれています。安価で着付けも簡単、お洒落なデザインも多く、海外への手頃なお土産として人気です。下駄の生じる音も夏の風物詩となり、避暑地でのリゾートウェアとしても定着しています。もちろん、温泉宿では欠かせないアイテムです。
このように、日本の風呂文化は時代と共に進化し、私たちの生活に深く根付いています。その歴史と共に、私たちは心も体も温められ、豊かな時間を過ごしているのです。
When we talk about the Japanese love for baths, images of ancient Roman baths often come to mind, but the origins of this custom in Japan are surprisingly modern. Common people only began to soak in hot water during the Edo period. Before that, the primary form of bathing was akin to today’s saunas.
The word "furo" (風呂) is derived from "fu" (風), meaning steam, and "ro" (呂), meaning a deep room. Steam baths similar to modern saunas were introduced to Japan by the Scythians of Central Asia in the mid-6th century, along with Buddhism. These baths were used for cleansing both the body and the spirit, a practice known as "misogi" (禊).
Back then, steam baths were located deep within temples and were free for anyone to use. This led to the custom of referring to bathing as "receiving" or "taking" a bath. After steaming, people would take cold baths or scrub their bodies, much like today’s spa treatments.
To prevent burns while in the steam bath, people wore a linen garment called "yukatabira" (湯帷子). Over time, the "bira" was dropped, and it became "yukata" (浴衣). Linen was ideal for yukata because it was strong and quick-drying. Initially, yukata were considered undergarments meant to be worn away from public view, but they have since become a beloved symbol of Japanese summer.
Sitting for long periods in the steam bath would make the steam rising from below the slatted floor quite hot. People began to bring folded linen cloths to sit on, which became known as "furoshiki" (風呂敷). Originally used for sitting, they eventually became used for wrapping clothes and other items. Today, furoshiki are used by judges to wrap important documents, far removed from their original purpose of being sat upon.
Modern yukata are made from cotton, simple in design and structure, and widely cherished. They are inexpensive, easy to wear, and come in stylish designs, making them popular souvenirs for tourists. The sound of wooden sandals (geta) is also favored, turning yukata into resort wear in summer retreats. Naturally, they are indispensable in hot spring inns.
Thus, Japanese bath culture has evolved over time, becoming deeply ingrained in our lives. Alongside its history, it continues to warm our hearts and bodies, providing us with rich and relaxing experiences.