This is a question asked my many of us who are allergic to strong
perfume fragrances. Perhaps the belief that perfume acts as an aphrodisiac
holds its own to other more practical reasons to use these aromas.
Historically, perfume can be traced to the early Egyptians who mixed
smoldering resins and woods and used them in their religious ceremonies.
It was believed that perfumes were pleasing to the gods and would
earn them better places in the next world. These deeply spiritual
people were so concerned about keeping the gods pleased that containers
of various perfumes were placed throughout the burial site. Some sources
indicate that similar perfumes were used in. Evidence as to the strength
of the perfume used was first experienced when the tomb of King Tutankhamen
was open and the fragrance wafted through the open door. The fragrance
was present for over 3,000 years!
In more contemporary times, a story is told of Napoleon, Emperor
of France, who sent a letter to his lover Josephine telling her that
he was returning home from battle within the week and directing her
to not bathe until they had seen one another. Rarely are we ready
to be in the same room with someone who has not bathed for several
days so what was behind Napoleon`s letter?
Those who research human interaction, have discovered some unusual information
regarding particular scents. It is believed that some of us have our appetites
triggered by specific odors. Interestingly, our `fragrance center` is located
in the same area of our brains with the arising of emotions. Perhaps this explains
some specific actions such as an adult smelling a certain aroma and that triggering
an emotion from his/her childhood.
Moving forward in history, we find the use of perfumes in the lavish Roman baths.
Here, the bathers often applied perfume two or three times a day! Pets (dogs,
horses) were often perfumed and during certain festivals, birds were released
from their cages in order to spray them with perfume. Most of us would have stopped
perfuming with dogs and horses, but not the Romans. They also liberally applied
perfume to furniture, accent pieces and other household items. Of much interest
is the evidence that servants wore different scents from non servants.
Most sources of information regarding perfume, note that the perfume container
has always indicated the pleasantness or desirability of a particular scent or
type of perfume. My own research has found fairly simple perfume containers many
with near astronomical prices.
Perhaps the most significant information for consumers is that scents do not
smell the same on all people. Because we each have scents of our own, some perfumes
will react negatively and the desired effect of the perfume negated. It is important
to test a scent before investing $50-hundreds of dollars in a small bottle!
Not all perfumes are alike. They have been identified as such: Perfume, which
is the strongest and has the longest lasting aroma; Eau de Perfume, which is
used to layer in preparation of the body for perfume; Eau de Toillett, much less
concentrated that the others and is reported to smell much better than it would
seem to indicate; Cologne, is the lightest fragrance and only lasts for a brief
time.
Correct application of the perfume is also essential in conveying the desired
scent. Perfume should be applied to pulse points such as the wrist, the inner
elbow, neck, and behind the ears. These spots also provide heat necessary for
the dissemination of the aroma.
Lastly, it is suggested that perfumes be applied following a shower and that
they be applied directly to the skin and not to clothing. The advice to spray
perfume into the air and to walk through the droplets has been found to be a
myth.
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