the hammam bathhouse tradition is deeply connected to the sensuality of the moroccan and turkish landscape. the rich red porphyry, lapis lazuli and green serpentine that color the walls of the hagia sofia. the scent of orange blossom trees in full bloom. a rich cup of turkish coffee in a demitasse, strong, with a twist of lemon rind and crushed cardamom pods. the rich red earth of the atlas mountains. the long thin branches of the symbolic olive tree, with its wide, shady, green leaf. the clays in red and rhassoul and deep earthy green. the mysterious headiness of beginning a meal with the burning scent of rose and sandalwood. the ever present wide silver trays tinkling with small glasses of moroccan mint tea—a wildly intense blend of white sage, richly infused green tea and fresh mint leaves. the quiet hush of a hammam with sunlight rushing in through small spaces from a high cathedral ceiling. blue sky, red earth, endless mountains. a deep, long, rich history of cleansing and purification and infinite uncapturable moments that combine to create life.     

the hammam is a steamy atmospheric world where the bather comes to purify and socialize. the smell of pine sap incense might fill the chamber, used by the bath attendants to purify the air. covering the body with a large piece of cloth worn around the hips and a pair of wooden bath slippers, the bather enters the hammam and pays a small fee for a deep wash and scrub performed enthusiastically with the aid of a rough camel hair mitt. the bath attendant also offers the services of rhassoul clay cleansing, shaving, and vigorous massage. between steps, basins of hot water are poured over the top of the head to rinse away dead skin and soap. as the ritual progression of the hammam experience intensifies, the bather is deeply purified and relaxed to a state of euphoria. steam heat opens the pores, encouraging the body to perspire to ensure healthy balance.    

this is a social outing as much as a ritual of deep detoxification. the tradition of the hammam is still experienced today in turkey, morocco, tunisia and spain. the bathing practices follow this progression of steps, using powerful indigenous ingredients to deeply detoxify and bring the body to a state of euphoric release. every product in the red flower hammam collection is inspired by this tapestry of rich life.