History of perfumes: 5 interesting facts that you didn’t know

Perfumes have a fascinating history that has cemented their place among other luxury items. While grand houses, expensive clothes, and jewels are long-lasting markers of opulence, perfumes offer a momentary source of olfactory pleasure that, when combined with premium packaging, creates a one-of-a-kind experience. The scent of perfume can transport you to places you’ve never been to. For instance, aqua fragrance notes can evoke a whiff of ocean side salty air, while gourmand notes can make you smell like delicious food that you would only ever find at a fancy restaurant. What makes perfumery unique is that each individual who owns the same perfume will still smell slightly different, which makes perfumes incredibly interesting. When we trace back the evolution of perfume, it becomes clear that they are anything but boring. Here are five intriguing historical facts that will help you appreciate perfume even more-

1) Ancient Egyptians: Perfume Application Like You've Never Seen Before!

The ancient Egyptians were one of the earliest civilizations to embrace the art of fragrance. However, their take on perfume application was a lot different from ours. We picture perfumes as liquids that we spritz and dab onto our skin, but Egyptians had a unique method of using perfumes.They also used thick ointments that they would smear on their bodies liberally. Fragrant Resins and woods were also burnt, filling the air with their sweet aroma. 

2) Musk: The Strange Origins of Your Favourite Fragrance Note

We all love a bit of musk in our perfumes but did you know that earlier, the     source of musk was the anal scent sac of beavers, deers, and the exotic civet cat? But modern perfumes contain synthetic Musk due to the natural musk being expensive. Additionally, the procedure of extracting the liquid from the rear-end glands of animals is restricted under the animal protection efforts. 

3) Queen Elizabeth I's Crazy Law on Perfume - Guess Who Broke it First?

 Did you know that in the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I of England had a law that only the royals could wear perfume? Talk about a power move! But don't worry, the law was eventually lifted, and we can all enjoy our favorite scents now.

4) Meet the First Perfumer in History, a Woman Named Tapputi

Here's another fun fact: the world's first recorded chemist was actually a woman named Tapputi, who lived in Mesopotamia around 1200 BCE. She was a real trailblazer and was the first person to create a perfume by distilling flowers, oils, and other aromatic ingredients.

5)The Story Behind Chanel No.5: A Perfume That Became a Pop Culture Icon

 Moving on to more recent times, have you heard of Chanel No.5? Of course, you have! It's one of the most iconic perfumes in history, thanks to a French perfumer named Ernest Beaux. Coco Chanel herself commissioned the fragrance, and it was intended to embody her vision of modern femininity. And who could forget Marilyn Monroe's famous quote about wearing nothing to bed but a few drops of Chanel No. 5? It's no wonder the scent has become a pop culture phenomenon.

Whether it's the alluring scent of a luxury perfume, the history behind it, or the experience of applying it, perfumes have been fascinating people for centuries. From ancient Egyptians to modern-day chemists, perfumery has evolved in many ways, making it an exciting field to explore. So next time you spritz on your favorite scent, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and culture that has brought you this momentary indulgence.