Why Did the Water of Life Turn Into the Water of Death?

Aqua vitae, the water of life, was once believed to cure fevers and headaches, kill germs in meat or vegetables, prevent colds, improve digestion, protect the kidneys and liver, help people sleep better, and boost appetite. It was also said to sharpen memory and build courage.

In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, this life-saving water was made by distilling ingredients like rice, wheat, and, of course, grapes. Grapes? Indeed. In the 12th century, alcoholic drinks were not made for people looking to drown their problems in drunkenness. They were created as medicine. True to the name, this was water meant to revive the human body.

Historically, the early technology for producing alcohol came from distillation methods discovered by Greek and Persian alchemists. The technique was first developed to transform raw metals into precious ones, and to create the water of life that was believed to grant eternal existence. When Arab forces conquered Alexandria and Persia, they studied these techniques and expanded them, eventually using them to produce alcohol.

By the 12th century, this technology had spread to Southern Europe. Two universities, one in Salerno (Italy) and one in Montpellier (France), became centers for the study and development of alcohol distillation. However, the alcohol produced there was intended strictly for medical purposes. It was never meant to be consumed recreationally. Its purpose matched the original intention behind alcohol: a disinfectant that kills harmful germs. 

Illustration: private collection

Environmental Damage as a Sign of Spiritual Trouble

The political shifts in parts of Eastern Europe in the early 1990s opened the door for the revival of several native religions and belief systems. Hungary, despite having a leader known for his hardline stance and frequent protests against him, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, still offers enough space for practitioners of Hungarian Indigenous Belief. They are not forbidden from spreading their teachings, nor are they forced to compromise with intolerant groups.

As with most indigenous belief systems around the world, followers of Hungarian Indigenous Belief see nature not as a lifeless object to be exploited. Water, for example, plays an essential role in many rituals, especially those related to healing. When water becomes polluted, they lose the ability to use it to help stimulate the cells in the body so they can grow and recover.

From their perspective, maintaining the balance between humans and nature is not just about offering ritual gifts. It also means actively caring for the environment. This can only happen when a community has a spiritual awareness that goes beyond ritual routines. It requires understanding how deeply connected they are to everything around them: water, air, earth, trees, and fire.

Any act that disturbs the natural balance is seen as harming oneself, no matter what the intention behind it is. Those who damage the environment are considered spiritually lost because they fail to recognize their place within the natural world. That is why practitioners of Hungarian Indigenous Belief regard environmental destruction as a sign that something is spiritually wrong within the individuals or groups involved.

Safety Takes Work

One of the biggest mistakes religious communities often make is believing that their safety is guaranteed simply because they follow the rules of their faith. Blind surrender can be dangerous, because the world does not operate according to the wishes of its inhabitants.

Safety does not appear out of thin air. It is the result of a series of choices made with the intention of sustaining life. And yes, preserving life is complicated and messy, because indulging in pleasure is always easier and far more enjoyable.

Take alcohol, for example. Drinking until you pass out is always simpler than figuring out the right amount that actually benefits your digestion. I am not here to lecture anyone. As someone who has lived through two motorcycle accidents and one street fight while drunk in my twenties, I sincerely hope the best for anyone dealing with similar troubles. (dswas)