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Sweat House, Maghera, Co. Derry
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Sweat House, Maghera, Co. Derry
Sweat House, Maghera, Co. Derry - a view of the entrance to a sweat house in the ground with a woman to the left of the opening. (Location: Northern Ireland: County Down: Maghera). Date: circa early 1900s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14364647
© National Museums NI / Mary Evans
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Sweat House, Maghera, Co. Derry: A Glimpse into the Past This evocative photograph captures the entrance to a sweat house in Maghera, County Derry, Northern Ireland, circa early 1900s. The sweat house, a traditional Irish sauna, was an essential part of rural Irish life for centuries. This particular sweat house is nestled in the ground, its entrance framed by a low stone wall. To the left of the opening, a woman in a long, dark dress stands, her figure silhouetted against the soft light filtering through the trees. The sweat house was used for various purposes, including healing, socializing, and religious rituals. The building was made of stone, with a fire pit at one end, and the heat was generated by pouring water over hot stones. The steam created by the water was believed to have therapeutic properties, and the sweat house was often used to treat ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, and respiratory problems. The woman in the photograph may have been visiting the sweat house for health reasons or for socialization. The communal nature of the sweat house made it a place where people could gather, share stories, and connect with one another. The sweat house was also a place of spiritual significance, and many believed that the steam helped to cleanse the body and soul. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back in time to a simpler era when the sweat house was an integral part of rural Irish life. The image of the woman standing at the entrance, the low stone wall, and the trees in the background all combine to create a powerful and evocative image that resonates with the rich cultural heritage of Northern Ireland.
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