Unique seniority
“In the sauna, even the king bows to the mighty oak whisk.”
Old Proverb
Explanation: In Eastern European culture, the sauna (banya) is a place where everyone is equal, and the venik—a bundle of oak or birch branches used for massage and relaxation—is a symbol of tradition, health, and rejuvenation. This proverb humorously emphasizes that even a king acknowledges the venik’s seniority and importance in the banya, reflecting the deep cultural respect for this unique sauna experience.