St. John's Water: What It Is, Legend, and Recipe to Prepare It

How to Prepare St. John's Water and How to Use It

The night between June 23 and 24 is enveloped in a magical and mysterious aura, a special moment when the ancient tradition of St. John's water is celebrated. This evocative preparation is not just a simple mixture of flowers and herbs, but a true ritual that spans centuries, connecting our present to rich and meaningful popular beliefs and customs. St. John's water, with its intoxicating fragrance and its alleged beneficial properties, represents a small treasure of folk wisdom that unites nature, spirituality, and well-being. In this article, we will guide you through the discovery of this fascinating custom: from its legendary origin to the flowers to be collected, from traditional preparation to its multiple uses. Let yourself be carried away on this sensory journey through one of the most evocative traditions linked to the summer solstice, where the "dew of the Gods" transforms into an elixir of luck, prayer, love, and prosperity.

What is St. John's Water?

St. John's water is an ancient ritual preparation obtained by immersing wild flowers and herbs in water during the night between June 23 and 24, left outdoors to be enriched by the night dew. This practice, full of symbolism and natural magic, represents a bridge between pagan beliefs related to the summer solstice and Christian traditions associated with the figure of St. John the Baptist. It is a custom deeply rooted in Italian popular culture, particularly felt in regions like Calabria and Tuscany, but now widespread throughout much of the country and in various parts of Europe.

Its essence lies in the purifying and renewing power attributed to this special water, collected at a time of the year considered magical. For farmers, this preparation has always represented one of the most important auspicious rites of the calendar, coinciding with the period of the summer solstice when crops can be threatened by sudden storms or drought. What is St. John's water if not a wonderful example of how folk wisdom has created a bridge between the sacred and the profane? In it, natural and spiritual elements harmoniously blend in a ritual that celebrates renewal and protection.

Tradition holds that bathing with this miraculous water brings health benefits, particularly for the eyes and face, and has a profound meaning of purification and rebirth, symbolically recalling the baptism practiced by the Saint.

There is nothing more fascinating than collecting flowers at sunset on June 23, letting them be caressed by the night dew. But if you can't do it, don't miss out on the magic of St. John's water!

On Terzaluna, an e-commerce of fine teas and herbal teas, you can find dried St. John's wort from spontaneous collection, perfect for creating this ritual preparation with all its authentic aroma. Order now and bring home the scent of tradition!

Origins and Legend of St. John's Water

St. John's water has its roots in a fascinating intertwining of pagan and Christian beliefs, creating a bridge between different but complementary spiritual worlds. This millennial tradition celebrates the magical moment of the summer solstice, when the boundary between the earthly and supernatural worlds thins, allowing natural elements to be charged with special energies.

### The Pagan Roots Long before the advent of Christianity, our ancestors celebrated **June 24th** with the ancient festival of **Lithia**, an important propitiatory rite linked to the **agricultural cycle**. At this time of year, nature reaches its peak splendor, but paradoxically, it is also when crops are most vulnerable to catastrophic events like **sudden hailstorms** or **drought periods**. Farmers would light large **bonfires** that illuminated the shortest night of the year, symbolizing the **power of the sun** at its peak. Legend has it that on this special night, the gods would send new births to earth in the form of **dew**, making each drop precious and filled with **vital power**. Collecting this "dew of the gods" meant ensuring **protection and abundance** for the coming months. ### The Christian Influence With the advent of Christianity, this pagan celebration naturally merged with the feast of the **Nativity of Saint John the Baptist**. The symbolism of water, already central in pagan rites, found a perfect match in the figure of the saint who baptized with the water of the **Jordan River**. The **prayer of Saint John's water** thus became an integral part of the ritual, transforming the ancient practice into an act of **Christian devotion**. The purifying element of water took on a new spiritual meaning, representing not only the **protection of crops** but also the **purification of the soul** and **spiritual rebirth**. Just as Saint John prepared the way for Christ through baptism, so this special water prepares the body and spirit for a **profound renewal**, creating that balance between **body, mind, and spirit** that is at the heart of the herbal tradition that Terzaluna preserves and passes on. ## What It Is For and How to Use It According to popular tradition, Saint John's water primarily serves as a tool for **spiritual and physical purification**, carrying with it a promise of **good fortune, renewed health**, and **protection** for the year ahead. The most common way to use this magical water is to **wash your hands and face** on the morning of **June 24th**, preferably at dawn. This simple yet symbolically significant gesture represents a true **rite of passage**: the water enriched with the essence of flowers and night dew is believed to purify not only the body but also the spirit, warding off **negative influences** and renewing **vital energies**. In some regions, tradition suggests gently dabbing the water on the **hair** to make it shinier and stronger, or lightly passing it over the entire body as a ritual ablution. Some even keep a small amount of this preparation to use in times of need throughout the year, like a **liquid talisman** against adversity. When you engage in this ancient ritual, take the time to be fully present: feel the **freshness of the water** on your skin, breathe in the **delicate scent of the flowers**, and let this moment become a pause of **awareness** in the daily hustle. The preparation of Saint John's water and its use can transform into a valuable exercise in **mindfulness**, an opportunity to reconnect with the rhythms of nature and with an **ancestral wisdom** that speaks through the ages.  ## How to Prepare Saint John's Water? Recipe Preparing Saint John's water is a wonderfully simple process, accessible to everyone, but it requires a certain **awareness** and **respect** for the ritual. It is not just about mixing ingredients, but about participating in an ancient practice that connects our present to **millennia-old traditions**. Here’s how to create this magical preparation with a few meaningful gestures.### Ingredients and Tools - **Fresh and pure water** (preferably spring water) - A variety of **[wild flowers and herbs](https://www.terzaluna.com/blog/erbe-spontanee-commestibili/)** - A **large glass or copper container** (materials that preserve the energy of the plants) - An **outdoor location** to place the container overnight - A **fine mesh strainer** (optional, for filtering the water in the morning) - A **dark glass bottle** for storage Remember that all tools and ingredients must be ready on the evening of **June 23rd**, after sunset, when the magic of St. John's Night begins to manifest, and the collected flowers can release their **beneficial properties** to the fullest. **Want to prepare St. John's water but can't gather the flowers? No problem! On Terzaluna, your quality tea and herbal tea e-commerce, you can find **[dried St. John's wort from wild harvest](https://terzaluna.com/iperico-2)**, perfect for recreating the scent of this ancient tradition. Don't let the distance from nature prevent you from experiencing this ritual: buy it now and prepare it at home!** ### Step-by-Step Procedure 1. After sunset on **June 23rd**, calmly and intentionally collect the wild flowers and herbs you have chosen, preferably in **pristine places** away from busy roads. 2. Fill your container with **fresh water**, creating a welcoming space for your herbs. 3. Gently immerse the flowers and herbs in the water, whispering a **prayer** or a **personal intention** if you wish, to infuse St. John's water with your desire for **purification and renewal**. 4. Place the container outdoors, in a spot where it can receive the **moonlight** and the **morning dew**. Ideally, choose an elevated place like a windowsill or a garden table. 5. Let it rest for the entire night, allowing the flowers to release their essences and the water to absorb the **energy-charged dew**. 6. At dawn on **June 24th**, collect your container and immediately use the water for the **purification ritual**, washing your face and hands as described in the previous paragraph. The simplicity of this recipe hides profound wisdom: it is in the patient night waiting and the meeting of natural elements that the magic of this preparation is created, a small daily miracle that reminds us of the **transformative power of nature**. ## Which Flowers Are Used? For preparing St. John's water, the choice of **flowers and herbs** is an important and personal moment. There is no strict list of ingredients, but rather a tradition that invites you to be guided by instinct and the generosity of the surrounding nature. Here are the most commonly used flowers and herbs in this magical preparation:

• St. John's Wort: considered the undisputed protagonist, it's no coincidence that it's also called "St. John's Herb" because it blooms around June 24th. Traditionally regarded as a powerful devil-chaser, it was placed in front of doors to ward off evil spirits. Its red pigment, hypericin, symbolically recalls the blood of the martyred saint.
• Lavender: with its calming and purifying scent, it brings serenity and dispels restlessness.
• Mallow: a symbol of sweetness and protection, its soothing properties make it valuable in this ritual preparation.
• Rose: the queen of flowers, carries the symbolism of love and beauty, enriching the water with its delicate fragrance.
• Mint: refreshing and revitalizing, symbolizes spiritual awakening and purification.
• Sage: considered sacred in many traditions, brings wisdom and purity to St. John's water.
• Rosemary: a plant of memory and fidelity, strengthens the connection with ancestral traditions.
• Verbena: known as "sacred herb," traditionally associated with magical and protective powers.
• Elderflower: its white flowers represent purity and the transition between worlds.
• Wild Fennel: a symbol of strength and courage, its delicate fronds add a distinctive aroma.

As you gather these gifts of nature, do so with respect and moderation, taking only what you need and thanking the plant. Let yourself be guided by the vibrant colors, the intense scents, and the feel of the leaves between your fingers. Each flower you choose carries not only its medicinal properties but also a symbolic meaning that will enrich your personal preparation of St. John's water.

If you can't gather the flowers yourself, Terzaluna offers a selection of edible flowers, many from spontaneous harvest, perfect for preparing this special blend. St. John's Wort, lavender, verbena, mallow, and many other herbs await you to infuse your water with all their natural essence. Discover our selection of edible flowers and experience this tradition wherever you are! ????

When is St. John's Water Prepared?

St. John's water is prepared exclusively on the night between June 23rd and 24th, a moment not chosen by chance but laden with deep symbolic meaning. This special date coincides with the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, when nature reaches its peak splendor and vitality. It is considered a "magical night" when the veil between the material and spiritual worlds becomes thinner, allowing cosmic energies to flow freely.

Tradition teaches us that during these nighttime hours, the dew that settles on flowers and herbs is charged with extraordinary properties. This "dew of the gods," as it was called in ancient pagan beliefs, gathers within itself all the generative power of nature at its peak. The droplets that form on petals and leaves during this special night are considered bearers of blessings, luck, and protection.

The night of San Giovanni also represents an important moment of energetic transition in the yearly cycle. After this date, the days will slowly begin to shorten, symbolically marking the start of the sun's descent towards winter. This turning point in the natural calendar was considered sacred in many ancient cultures, which celebrated it with purification and renewal rituals.

Preparing the water of San Giovanni thus becomes a small personal ritual that allows us to tune into the rhythms of the Earth and honor this ancient wisdom. It is a moment to slow down, observe, and actively participate in the dance of the seasons, reconnecting with something greater than ourselves. In this sense, the preparation of this special water is not just a folkloric tradition but an opportunity to rediscover a more intimate and conscious relationship with the nature that surrounds us.

How long does San Giovanni Water last and how to store it

San Giovanni water has an ephemeral and transient nature, just like the magical moment in which it is created. This ritual preparation is not meant to be stored for long: tradition dictates that it should be used preferably on the same day of June 24th, when its beneficial and symbolic properties are at their peak.

Unlike other herbal preparations, it is not a remedy to be consumed internally, but water intended exclusively for external and ritual use. If after your purification ritual you find yourself with leftover water, there are two beautiful options to honor its symbolic value.

• The first is to share this special gift: you can offer the remaining water to loved ones, friends, or family, who should use it always within the day of the Saint's feast. This act of sharing amplifies the beneficial power of the preparation, transforming it into a vehicle of connection between people.
• The second equally significant option is to "return" the water to the earth. You can gently pour it at the base of a plant you love or in a corner of your garden, thus completing the natural cycle and symbolically thanking nature for the gifts received. This small ritual of restitution perfectly closes the circle of the preparation, honoring the ancient connection between humans and nature that lies at the heart of the San Giovanni water tradition.

Always remember that the value of this preparation does not lie in its duration, but in the intensity of the ritual moment it represents – a brief but powerful encounter with an ancestral tradition that continues to live through our actions.

Buy your flowers at Terzaluna

San Giovanni water represents much more than just a ritual: it is a cultural heritage that reconnects us to our deepest roots and the wisdom of our ancestors. This ancient rite, passed down from generation to generation, invites us to rediscover the transformative power of nature and the symbolic value of the plants that surround us.

Every flower, every herb collected with awareness for this preparation carries with it not only its beneficial properties but also centuries of tradition and deep meanings. If you wish to personally experience the magic of this ritual, Terzaluna has selected for you a precious collection of dried flowers perfect for preparing San Giovanni water.

Our flowers, many of which are sourced from wild harvesting in pristine areas, retain all their properties and their vital energy intact. The St. John's wort, calendula, lavender, mallow, and all the other herbs traditionally used for this preparation are available in packaging that respects the environment and preserves the quality of the ingredients.

Preparing your own St. John's water with Terzaluna flowers means consciously participating in an ancient ritual, creating a moment of authentic connection with nature and with yourself. It is an opportunity to slow down, to find a more natural rhythm, and to celebrate the cycles of the Earth that greatly influence our lives, even if we often don't realize it.

Every flower you choose thus becomes not just an ingredient, but a messenger of that ancient wisdom that still has much to teach us about our well-being and our relationship with the universe.

Discover the Terzaluna collection of edible flowers and immerse yourself in the charm of this timeless ritual!

 

Related Articles

• Chrysanthemum: Meaning, Properties, and Uses
• St. John's Wort: What It Is, Properties, When to Take It
• Mallow: Properties, Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications