Florida Water Cologne: A Historical Fragrance's Origins

Florida Water is an American eau de cologne introduced by New York City perfumer Robert I. Murray in 1808. The name refers to the fabled Fountain of Youth, which is said to be located in Florida. The cologne has a citrus scent with sweet orange and spicy notes like clove. It was initially created as a unisex scent and is still used as a toiletary, aftershave, and perfume.

Florida Water is also used in spiritual and religious practices by Amerindian peoples and the descendants of formerly enslaved people of a Yoruba (or more generally Central West African) background.

Florida Water's origins and history

Florida Water is an American version of Eau de Cologne, introduced by New York City perfumer Robert I. Murray in 1808. The name refers to the fabled Fountain of Youth, said to be located in Florida, as well as the "floral" nature of the scent. It is a light floral scent with lemon overtones, and has been described as a "clean, natural scent".

Florida Water was originally marketed towards both men and women, and was used as an aftershave, as well as a refreshing body splash. It was also used in large quantities by barbershops as cologne and aftershave. In the late 19th century, it was advertised as "The Richest of all Perfumes" and "The most Popular Perfume in the World".

The formula for Florida Water includes an alcohol base with water, and a mix of oils that give it a citrusy, fresh scent. It emphasises sweet orange, rather than bergamot orange, lemon and neroli, and adds spicy notes like clove, cinnamon, lavender, rose, and orange flower.

Florida Water has also been used in spiritual practices, such as the syncretic spiritual system, Hoodoo, practiced by some African Americans descending from formerly enslaved West African populations. It is used for spiritual cleansing and protection from negative energies.

Its use in spiritual practices

Florida Water is an American version of eau de cologne, introduced to the American market in 1808. It has a citrusy, floral scent with sweet orange, lavender, clove, cinnamon, bergamot, rose, and orange flower notes.

Florida Water is used in various spiritual practices, including Wicca, Santeria, Hoodoo, and Voodoo. It is believed to have strong magical properties and is used in rituals, cleansing ceremonies, and protection spells. Here are some of its spiritual uses:

Ritual Offerings and Purification

Florida Water is often used to purify sacred spaces, tools, and the auras of practitioners, creating a cleansed foundation for rituals and offerings to the divine. It is believed to remove negative energies and create a sanctified space for spiritual communication.

Spell Enhancement

Florida Water is used in spells for emotional healing and the removal of negative vibrations. It facilitates the expression of emotions and aids in the cleansing of psychic blockages by purifying and elevating the energies involved, making intentions clearer and manifestations more potent.

Ancestor Communication

Placing a glass of Florida Water on an ancestor altar is believed to act as a beacon, clearing the air of static and electromagnetic interference. This allows for a clearer channel to receive wisdom and guidance from ancestors and facilitates a stronger, more unobstructed connection.

Home Cleansing and Blessing

Florida Water is used to anoint various parts of the home, attracting good fortune, warding off negative energies, and inviting prosperity. It is believed to cleanse the area of negative energies and leave behind an atmosphere filled with positive vibrations.

Protective Cleansing

A blend of Florida Water and protective herbs, such as cinnamon or black cohosh, is used to cleanse and safeguard homes from negative influences. This mixture is applied to reflective surfaces and entryways, acting as a barrier against unwelcome energy.

Spiritual Bath Preparation

Adding Florida Water to a bath is believed to purify the body and spirit, preparing the practitioner for entering sacred spaces and ceremonies. It ensures they are energetically clean and aligned with their spiritual intentions.

Post-Bath Protection and Balance

Applying Florida Water to the body after a spiritual bath is said to extend protection and enhance personal balance. It acts as a shield, maintaining the cleansed state and reinforcing the practitioner's confidence and spiritual equilibrium.

Harmony in the Workplace

Using Florida Water Spray in workspaces is believed to attract peaceful energies and prosperity, creating a balanced and harmonious environment conducive to productivity and positive interactions among colleagues.

Cleansing After Negative Exposure

Washing hands with Florida Water Soap after encountering negative or toxic energies is said to help cleanse and reset one's personal energy field, removing lingering negativity and restoring a sense of purity and balance.

Communication Clarity

Applying Florida Water to the throat and heart areas is believed to aid in clear communication and the healing of verbal exchanges, promoting positivity and truthfulness in conversations.

Spellwriting Power Boost

Enhancing spell materials with Florida Water is thought to increase the potency of magical workings by amplifying intentions and strengthening the energy of spells.

Enhanced Divination Practices

Florida Water is added to scrying bowls or used to cleanse divination tools, enhancing the practitioner's connection to higher realms of consciousness and deepening psychic insights and clarifying visions.

Cooling and Refreshment

Florida Water's cooling properties make it a refreshing aid on hot days, providing physical and spiritual uplift.

Wealth Attraction

Florida Water is used to charge objects like cowrie shells, which are then kept in wallets to attract financial prosperity and signal abundance to the universe.

Restful Sleep and Dream Work

Spraying Florida Water in the sleeping area is believed to promote peaceful rest and prophetic dreams. It aids in dream divination and ensures that the sleeper wakes up refreshed and ready to interpret dream messages.

Divination Tool Preparation

Florida Water is mixed with an amethyst crystal and used to anoint hands or divination tools like tarot cards and pendulums. It cleanses them of prior energies and enhances their connection to spiritual wisdom, making readings more accurate and insightful.

Enhancing Meditation and Spiritual Focus

Applying Florida Water to the forehead or the back of the neck before meditation helps calm the mind, clear energetic blockages, and facilitate a deeper connection to higher states of consciousness.

Its ingredients and scent

Florida Water is an American take on Eau de Cologne, with a citric scent that emphasises sweet orange and adds spicy notes like clove. It also includes cinnamon, bergamot, rose, and orange flower. The name refers to the fabled Fountain of Youth, which is said to be located in Florida, as well as the "floral" nature of the scent.

The original formula, created in 1808 by perfumer Robert Murray, is a light floral scent with lemon overtones. It cools, cleanses, and calms, and can be used on the body, in the bath, or around the home.

Florida Water is regarded as a unisex scent, suitable for men and women alike. It is also used in spiritual practices, such as Hoodoo, by African Americans descending from formerly enslaved West African populations.

Its versatility and uses

Florida Water is a versatile product with a wide range of uses. Its refreshing and cleansing properties make it a popular choice for personal hygiene and household use. Here are some of its common applications:

Personal Hygiene

Florida Water is commonly used as an aftershave or body splash, providing a refreshing and cooling sensation, especially during hot summer months. Its astringent properties help soothe skin irritations caused by shaving, and its high alcohol content (around 80%) makes it effective as a hand sanitiser. It can also be added to bathwater for a fragrant and invigorating experience.

Household Use

Florida Water can be used to wipe down surfaces, such as kitchen counters, and freshen linens. Its citrusy and floral scent makes it an excellent air freshener and room spray, creating a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Adding a few drops to a mop bucket can also help cleanse and purify the energy of a space.

Spiritual and Religious Practices

Florida Water holds a special place in spiritual and religious practices, particularly among African American, Caribbean, and Latin American communities. It is used for spiritual cleansing, purification, and protection from negative energies. It is often employed in rituals, altar spaces, and ceremonial baths to promote overall well-being and good energy.

Other Uses

Florida Water can also be used to cool down on hot days. Some people pour it into a spray bottle and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing mist. It has also been mentioned as a useful addition to first aid kits during power outages and hurricane relief efforts.

Customer reviews and opinions

Florida Water is an American version of Eau de Cologne, with a citrus scent that emphasises sweet orange and adds spicy notes like clove. It was introduced by New York City perfumer Robert I. Murray in 1808. The modern producer of Florida Water, Lanman & Kemp-Barclay & Co, states that their product still uses the original 1808 formula.

Florida Water has a variety of uses, including as an aftershave, air freshener, and cleanser. It is also used in spiritual practices, such as Hoodoo, and in folk magic practices in Latin and Creole cultures.

Scent

Many customers like the scent of Florida Water, describing it as pleasant, clean, fresh, and invigorating. They appreciate that the alcohol evaporates and that the scent is not too strong or overpowering. Some say it reminds them of the beach, while others note hints of lavender, orange, and clove.

Functionality

Florida Water is praised for its versatility and functionality. Customers mention using it as an aftershave for men and women, an air freshener, a body splash, and a cleanser for spiritual and household purposes. It is also said to have a cooling effect, especially during hot summer months.

Value for Money

Customers appreciate the value for money offered by Florida Water, noting that it is worth the price and has a long-lasting scent. Some mention that it is relatively inexpensive and affordable.

Fragrance

The fragrance of Florida Water is described as cool, refreshing, and gender-neutral. Some say it is not too strong and does not linger for too long, while others mention that it fades into the background after a few hours.

Cleansing Power

Many customers are satisfied with the cleansing power of Florida Water, using it for spiritual cleansing, house cleansing, and personal cleansing. They mention that it helps create a sense of well-being and good energy.

Longevity

Opinions on the longevity of the scent are mixed. Some customers mention that it lingers for a few hours, while others find that it wears away too quickly and is mild.

Leakage

There are some complaints about leakage, with customers reporting that the lid came loose or that the seal around the top was wet, resulting in spillage during shipping.

Overall, Florida Water receives positive reviews from customers who appreciate its scent, versatility, and cleansing properties. It is valued for its cultural and spiritual significance, as well as its refreshing and invigorating effects.

Frequently asked questions