The Mystery of Fragrance

The modern art of aromatherapy has studied and shown significant effects on well being through the use of fragrance. But one doesn’t need modern science to prove the beauty and value of fragrance. For thousands of years humans have practiced the art of perfumery, whether distilling fragrance from flowers for use in perfume, or burning resins and herbs for incense. We have always been aware of, and intrigued by, the entrancing scents of the natural world.

Our lives are filled with fragrance. From the soft, seductive scent of a deep red rose, to the salty refreshing scent of sea air. Fragrance captures our experiences and imprints them in our memories. Perfume lifts our senses, lightens our spirit and can bring us into deeply calm and meditative states, or arouse our energy into vibrancy and elation.

The first perfume was incense, as the Latin word for perfume, “Par Fumum” means “through smoke”. Incense was used primarily for religious and spiritual occasions. Many believed that their prayers and wishes would be carried through the smoke up to the heavens, directly to the ear and heart of God. But who can say for certain where the art of perfumery began? The courts of Old Europe were known for their perfumes, many crediting France as the center of the perfume universe. But Ancient Egypt was also known for its love of the deep earthy scents such as Amber and Frankincense. And many of the most valuable scents came from Asia, such as ginger and cinnamon. Fragrance is, and fragrance began, globally. Every culture on every continent has practiced the art of perfumery. It as intrinsic a thing as food or clothing.

In Egypt fragrance was truly developed into an art form. They exported their beautiful concoctions around the world, tourists traveled there to uncover their secrets and bring their enchantments home. Fragrant materials were taken and blended with animal fat to create perfumes that we would recognize today as solid perfumes. When the tomb of Tutankhamen was opened, among the artifacts was discovered a handcrafted jar containing a perfume unguent (solid) that was still fragrant after so many thousands of years.

So what is it that fragrance provides for us, and why has it been an art form that has, like music, progressed side by side throughout all the changes of human history? Smell is a vital sense, one that enhances our experience, can warn us of danger and soothe our spirits. The smell of smoke awakens our instincts to peril, the sweet, powdery smell of a baby comforts and eases our travails, and who could enjoy a cinnamon bun so thoroughly without the delight of smelling the sweet sugar and cinnamon.< Fragrance is indeed woven into our very existence.

Copyright © 2006 Auric Blends, all rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied or distributed without the express consent of Auric Blends.