A BRIEF HISTORY OF PERFUME

The origin of perfumes can be traced back thousands of years to the early Egyptians. The first perfumes were actually incense, the word "perfume" comes from the Latin words, “per” and “fumus”, meaning “through” "smoke”. These fragrances were achieved by the burning of wood and resins and used for religious ceremonies.

The Egyptians were highly religious and took perfume making very seriously. Many containers of perfumes were found buried in tombs. The more perfume they used, and the stronger the perfume, the more likelihood they’d have of going to heaven.

When Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered, surrounding the body, were pots of oils and fragrances. When the tomb was opened, 3,000 years later there was still a strong smell of perfume.

Perfume fell out of use during early Christianity, but was revived in the medieval period. By the 1600s scents were applied to objects such as furniture, gloves and fans.

In the 17th century, perfume caught on in France. The French used fragrances on their clothing, They also put it on their furniture to make their rooms smell fragrant.

The biggest advance in perfumery came in the 18th century, with the creation of eau de Cologne.

In the 19th century, developments in science and chemistry opened up a whole new world for the perfume industry. Since the 1960's the perfume industry has boomed. In 1990, there was about one new perfume launch every week. Now there is on average more than one a day.

Products that enhance the feel of the skin and the smell of the body have been highly valued in every culture. Trade routes introduced spices to other parts of the world and a wider range of perfumes could be made. In the past people often mixed their own potions, creating their own aromatherapy products. Many homes had a still room where essences were steeped out of flowers and herbs.

Today women have five or six different fragrances, rather than a single perfume, keeping one special perfume for special occasions.