Holy water is water that has been blessed by a priest or a religious figure and has traditionally been used in baptisms, to bless people and places. Holy water is a natural symbol of purification, used to remove uncleanness in Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, some Lutheran synods, Anglicanism, and other churches.
Origin, History, and Traditional Use of Holy Water
As a fundamental element, water is necessary to sustain life, physiologically through hydration or its practical use of cleaning and washing away dirt, leading to the reverence of water as a symbol of purity and cleanness. The practical necessity of water has therefore overlapped with its spiritual aspect of washing over sins and unclean spirits since time immemorial.
The custom of holy water can be traced back to the Old Testament where Jews had ritual and symbolic washings with water to prepare for worship in God’s temple.
There has also been evidence of the use of holy water in the first century, where the natural sources of rivers and streams were used for baptism with no apparent special blessings, illustrating the symbolic power of water.
Another source of written documentation of the use of holy water by Christians, specifically Apostle Matthias was noted in the Apostolic Constitution in 300 AD, largely credited to St Clement of Rome.
In the fourth century, the still waters of baptismal pools or fonts were blessed or exorcised with the sign of the cross, turning them into holy water. Other sources of water were also blessed for the use of the faithful to help them ward off evil spirits and provide protection against diseases and illnesses.
Ancient monastic customs also note that holy water was used by the abbot of the monastery to bless the monks every night before bed.
Over time, holy water was used as a reminder of baptism upon entering the church and before certain Sunday masses where it was sprinkled by the celebrant in the congregation. In Eastern Orthodoxy, holy water was also commonly drunk by the faithful after being blessed.
Modern Usage of Holy Water
While the tradition of using holy water in baptism and Sunday masses still stand the test of time, the use of holy water has broadened. Holy water is now being kept at home, in vials or designated fonts near the front door to bless the individual or family before leaving the house. Parents also use holy water to bless their children before they leave for school in the morning or at bedtime as well as during stressful situations or when moving houses.
Why Choose Mystic Water?
If you are interested in purchasing holy water to bless and protect you or your family, check out Mystic Waters. Mystic Waters’ holy water has been sourced from several sacred and holy sites around the world, some of which include the Vatican City, Guadalupe, Lourdes, and the Jordan River.
Have questions? Contact us or reach out to us directly at michelle@thewatercompany.net.or reach out to us directly at michelle@thewatercompany.net.