Still Can’t Be… Washed Away
As some of you may have read in my first blog (thanks for reading and subscribing!), I am kicking off the mini-series, 'Still Can't Be…', spotlighting three products tied to Surinamese and broader Black culture, all playing a role in warding off the evil eye.
Almeda, a song from Solange Knowles’ album When I Get Home, inspired the series. In this song, she sings: "Black Faith, Still Can't Be Washed Away. Not Even In That Florida Water." So I found it fitting to start the first post with Florida Water, my way of giving a shout-out to that unforgettable line that sparked my exploration!
Have you ever had the aromatic citrus scent of Florida Water all over your body? It's a scent I became familiar with during Surinamese traditional baths that our household would take on New Year's Eve… a scent that lingers for hours.
Although I can't trace through research why Florida Water became such a staple in Surinamese culture, the floral cologne has worked its magic since its invention in New York City in 1808. Traditionally used as a perfume, it quickly became a multi-purpose product for both men and women, using it for disinfecting after a clean shave or freshening the air.
The way I’ve come to use Florida Water is as a cleaning product for my jewelry and as a means of cleansing my body. Through the Caribbean, Latin, and South American regions, it is believed that the floral notes in Florida Water can “offer protection and keep evil spirits at bay.” Leading to widespread use of the product when taking the Surinamese traditional baths. However, for centuries, Church followers within the community have opposed the Surinamese bathing ritual that takes place during the new year, accusing it of being a form of dark worship.
My memory of the bath is different. A tub filled with a mixture of Florida Water, rose petals, crown blue, and other pleasing scents prepared by my parents or another elder always brought such joy to that last day of the year. I always admired the significance of making the conscious choice around this time of year to reflect and give thanks for the year that's passed and blessings for the year to come. To me, it feels like a wholesome experience.
During the Florida Water shoot, I used two popular product photography styles: a flat-lay and a pour water shot. Working with water for the first time made me a bit nervous, especially trying to capture that wanted shot!
In the flat-lay shot, the waves recede from the product. Despite the petals being carried away in different directions, the bottle remains steady and central, symbolizing its unshakeable nature, as the product continues to exist as a household staple for over two hundred years. I kept the flat-lay simple by only using the bottle, water, and petals.
In the pouring shot, I used a Kalebas to place the Florida Water, a bath ritual item used for scooping from the bath and onto oneself. A rose is placed on rose quartz because, apart from Surinamese culture, Florida Water is used in spiritual rituals worldwide. The splash of water is deliberately directed away from the bottle to pay homage to the series title.
As I conclude this photographic journey of Florida Water and its profound ties to Surinamese culture, I invite you to share your experiences and thoughts. Have you ever encountered the aromatic embrace of Florida Water? Does the ceremonial use of such scents resonate with your cultural practices or traditions? Feel free to join the conversation leaving your comments and stories below. I would love for this mini-series to be a space where our collective narratives intertwine, celebrating the richness of cultural heritage!
Text by Winny Sandvliet & Norma Diana Stanton
Photos by Frame It Right Studio
