Besides eating zongzi and balancing eggs, have you ever heard of “collecting noon water” at noon during the Dragon Boat Festival?
The water collected at the moment when Yang energy is at its peak of the year is called “noon water,” and it is believed to ward off evil spirits, attract good luck, and purify the mind and body.
What is Noon Water? Why Collect Noon Water on Dragon Boat Festival?
Noon water refers to the water collected at noon (11:00-13:00) on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as pure Yang water.
The ancients believed that the Dragon Boat Festival is the day when Yang energy is at its peak in the year, and noon is the peak of the day’s Yang energy.
With two “peaks” stacked together, the water collected at this time is naturally believed to carry the strongest positive energy.
This custom actually has a long history.
It can be traced all the way back to the Song Dynasty, and even Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica has records of it.
How to Make Noon Water? 4 Steps to Make It at Home
Don’t think that collecting noon water requires running to a deep mountain ancient well; you can actually complete it right at home.
Master the following steps, focusing on the timing and the container.
| Step | Method | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Choose the Right Time | Collect water between 11:00-13:00 at noon on the Dragon Boat Festival | This is the time when Yang energy is at its peak, miss it and you’ll have to wait another year |
| Prepare the Water Source | Spring water is ideal, but regular tap water is also fine | The key is that the water must be clean, no need to obsess over a specific source |
| Fill the Container | Use a clean glass bottle or ceramic jar | Be sure to wash the container to prevent impurities from affecting the water quality |
| Sun Exposure | Expose it to the sun for at least 30 minutes | Allow the water to fully absorb the noon Yang energy |
Throughout the process, “a clean bottle” is more important than “how sacred the water source is.”
Just seize this golden period of noon, and leave the rest to the sun.
How Long Can Noon Water Be Stored? How Should Old Water Be Handled?
The prepared noon water is generally believed to last for about 1 year.
However, a reminder: the longer it is kept, the more you should pay attention to hygiene. If you really want to drink it, make sure to boil it first.
What to Do with the Leftover Noon Water from Last Year?
Never pour it directly down the toilet or sink, as tradition holds that this will wash away your good luck.
The most recommended method is to use the old water to water plants or potted flowers.
Let the water return to the soil of nature, symbolizing that good luck keeps growing and never ends. It is both eco-friendly and carries a good meaning.
What are the Benefits and Uses of Noon Water?
The core benefits of noon water can be summarized in three things:
Purifying the body to remove negative energy, purifying spaces, and attracting wealth and blessings.
The older generation also has a common saying: “A sip of noon water is better than taking tonic medicine for three years,” showing its significance in folk beliefs. The actual uses can be divided into the following kinds.
| Use | Method | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Face and Purifying Body | Wash your face and hands with noon water | Wash away bad luck; folk wisdom says it can “wash your eyes to make them as bright as a black bulbul” |
| Mopping and Purifying House | Wipe windows and mop the floor with noon water | Purify the home’s energy field and remove negative energy |
| Mugwort Bath | Add mugwort or Chinese crossostephium to the bath | Purify the body to change luck, washing away the misfortunes of the first half of the year |
| Wealth Water | Put 168 Yuan worth of coins and salt in it, and place it in the wealth position | Bring good luck for wealth, symbolizing “prospering all the way” to attract wealth and blessings |
Be sure to remember:
Wealth water is used for attracting wealth, do not drink it.
Who Should Not Drink Noon Water? What are Other Taboos on Dragon Boat Festival?
Although noon water can ward off evil and bring good luck, two zodiac signs should be especially careful when drinking it.
| Zodiac Sign | Reason |
|---|---|
| Rat | Clashes with the Noon Hour; folk beliefs hold it brings isolation and conflict, unsuitable for drinking |
| Horse | Noon belongs to fire, drinking it is like adding fuel to the fire, making it easy to get into verbal arguments |
Besides zodiac signs, there are also some long-standing taboos on the Dragon Boat Festival day:
- Avoid going to the beach or river to play with water
- Don’t lose your sachet, as tradition holds that it will lose the protective blessings
- Do not give a whole string of zongzi to others, because it has a homophonic association with “sending off evil spirits”
You don’t have to believe all these taboos, but understanding the cultural context behind them will make your holiday more meaningful.
How to Use Noon Water for the Best Effect?
Noon water has been passed down for thousands of years. Rather than calling it some kind of sacred water, it is more like a sense of ritual to remind ourselves to start anew.
Just keep in mind the three key points of collecting water at noon, using a clean container, and boiling before drinking to enjoy this custom with peace of mind.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, why not also set aside some time at noon to collect a bottle of lucky water belonging to the whole year for yourself and your family?