Cooling Rituals from Around the World

Morocco

The hammam, often known as a Turkish Bath, is a core part of the tradition in Morocco. This traditional steam bath is more than just a cleansing ritual and involves a cool room to gradually cool down after the steam bath. It’s a ritual for purification and relaxation, as well as community bonding.

Another staple? Moroccan mint tea, a blend of Chinese green tea, fresh mint, and sugar, is a traditional drink in Morocco and known for its refreshing and cooling properties.

Japan

Japan offers several traditional practices to help combat the heat, two of which include uchimizu (sprinkling water) and yumomi (stirring bath water). Uchimizu involves sprinkling water on the streets and surfaces to cool the ground and air. In fact, this was originally done to cleanse the paths for the gods! Yumomi is a ceremony of stirring hot spring water with paddles to lower the temperature.

Sensu fans, also known as folding fans, have been traditionally used to create a cooling breeze, but have a rich history and have been used for more than just cooling.

India

Chaach, also known as buttermilk, is a traditional Indian summer drink that offers a cooling respite from the heat. It’s made from diluting yoghurt with water, seasoned with spices including cumin, salt, and mint. It’s light and refreshing! Some even have buttermilk baths, although this is not as common as consuming it as a beverage.

Sandalwood paste is another traditional go-to for cooling the body. Often applied during festivals or hot seasons, it soothes the skin and calms the senses with its earthy aroma.

Korea

Koreans often enjoy cold dishes such as naengmyeon and mul naengmyeon to help cool down.  Interestingly, the Korean diet often leans towards ‘fighting heat with heat’ by consuming food such as by consuming samgyetang (chicken and ginseng soup).

Cold compresses, cucumber masks, and ice towels are also part of many cooling beauty rituals.

China

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cooling remedies work to balance excess heat or ‘yang energy’ in the body. This involves various things including dietary changes, herbal remedies and more. Cooling foods like watermelon, berries and bananas are recommended, whereas pungent spices, red meat and oily foods are to be avoided.

Italy/Greece

We all know about siesta culture in the Mediterranean – but this happens for good reason! Outdoor activities are avoided during the hottest hours of the day (2pm – 6pm) and its all about respecting the heat. A siesta involves having a nap to escape the midday heat and return to work refreshed, although many now use the break for lunch, errands or simply relaxing.

Traditional Mediterranean homes often have thick walls to absorb heat during the day and release it at night.

Caribbean

A popular cooling drink in the Caribbean is a sea moss punch, known for its cooling and healthy properties. It’s often blended with almond milk, spices, and sweeteners for a creamy, restorative treat.

Traditional Caribbean houses were also designed to stay cool in the tropical heat.