HISTORY
Florida Water made its debut in 1808 and the recipe has not been changed according to its maker and distributor, Lanman & Kemp (originally Murray & Lanman). This classic cologne that makes iconic vintage fragrances like Guerlain’s Shalimar look young has maintained its popularity and remains a nostalgic scent for many. One of its most well-known uses, despite its origins as a toiletry product, is spiritual. It is most famously used for spiritual cleansing with prominent usage in Santeria, Hoodoo, Shamanism, Wiccan, and other spiritual practices. It is cherished by Black and Latino communities for cleansing purposes.
Its name often inspires Florida Water newbies to ask “Why Florida?”. The simplest account is that it was named after the mythical story of the Fountain of Youth which was told to be sought out by Spanish colonialist Juan Ponce de León. After landing at the peninsula we now call Florida in springtime, lush flowers were in full bloom, which inspired his choice to name it “La Florida” when it was colonized. La Florida means “flowery place” in Spanish, coming from the Latin word floridus (flowery, blooming).
THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF FLORIDA WATER
The cologne itself is a spicy and warm floral citrus fragrance, boasting notes of lemon, cinnamon, cloves, lavender, bergamot, and orange blossom. The scent can be described as uplifting, and though not known for its longevity or performance, the fragrance itself is of good quality despite its low price point in the United States (due to import charges, this product can be quite expensive in other countries).
In a spiritual context, the essential oils featured in Florida Water do match its purported use:
–Lemon: banishes negativity, purification, love and friendship
–Bergamot: uplifting, calming, prosperity
–Lavender: protection, purification, divination, relaxation
–Orange blossom: purification, luck, confidence
–Cloves: friendship, love, banishment, protection
–Cinnamon: protection, love, luck, health, prosperity, quick manifestation
It’s easy to see why this blend has been used in various spiritual practices, as it’s very uplifting, protective, and positive in nature.
A NON-EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF FLORIDA WATER USES
-Use it as a personal fragrance that will help dispel negative energies throughout your day, or after a particularly unpleasant interaction to protect your peace
-Aftershave, as simple as that!
-Add it to bath water to energetically cleanse yourself
-Add it to your cleaning bucket to energetically clean your home (may be worth checking if it can be mixed with whichever cleaning product you are using)
-Cleanse spiritual tools and objects, altars, etc.
-Add to a spray bottle for an energy-clearing room spray
-Spray on bed sheets to inspire love and harmony in a relationship
-Offerings for deities, ancestors, etc.
-Before bed to prevent bad dreams
-Can be used on insect bites
-Dilute with water to use as a hair rinse after shampooing
-Smell during a difficult psychedelic experience to help lighten the load
Sometimes people will suggest adding Florida Water to laundry to energetically cleanse clothing and leave a nice scent. I do not recommend this at all, as the alcohol content can gradually lift dye from apparel, as well as cause quicker deterioration and pilling in fabrics. If anything, I would recommend misting them lightly with a spray bottle after they are dry.
Florida Water is an easy DIY and many esoteric shops will offer their own recipe. It’s fun to try different artisans takes on the original, I’ve smelled a clove-forward blend, and a few that were citrus-heavy. While they are all nice, the original just has it right. One thing to note is the difference between the New York City and Peru versions. Peru Florida Water looks a bit yellow and says New York – Peru. It is a bit sweeter and spicier. Florida Water looks slightly blue and just says New York and is a bit more citrus-forward. They are both authentic, and I recommend trying both if you can! I haven’t made my own yet, as the original is awesome but I’ll try it out once I’m done working on my current perfumes.
A fragrance with a long history and loyal customer base, Florida Water is an excellent addition to any household due to its fresh scent and purifying and protective botanical properties.
If you have tried both types of Florida Water, which one is your favourite? I think I like the Peru one most, so warm and comforting!
-Ophelia
(Pictured below: Florida Water – Peru, Florida Water – NY)
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