Scents have the power to transport you instantly to another time and place. Stop for a moment and think of the aroma of cinnamon. What does it remind you of? Perhaps warm apple crumble straight from your granny’s oven or memories of a holiday somewhere exotic.
Apothecaries and perfumiers of old discovered this magic power of scent a very long time ago, and it had a part in shaping historical trade routes like the Spice Routes and the Silk Road. Fragranced items were much in demand and were the driving force behind the success of these routes. The movement of these aromatic treasures also influenced perfume preferences of different cultures, which continues today. Let us take a closer look at these cultural influences.
Trade In Aromatic Goods
Long before the establishment of the perfume industry, aromatic products played a considerable role in cultural events. Religious ceremonies used incense, and early medicines included the use of fragrant oils. From Egypt came myrrh and frankincense, while India produced a wealth of spices. Early trade introduced these precious items to new parts of the world.
The Spice Routes
These trade routes famously connected the East with the West. Goods were sent across the ocean from East, Southeast and South Asia to the Middle East and Europe. Valued aromatic products included:
- Frankincense and myrrh: These resins were favourites for religious ceremonies and held high status in many cultures.
- Cinnamon and cassia: Valuable spices were used in cooking and were popular across all parts of the world.
- Cardamon and cloves: Rare and exotic spices were introduced to the West and were highly sought after.
These aromatics travelled from East to West and were soon incorporated into local customs and traditions.
The Silk Road
Another important pathway for trade was the Silk Road, which was the route across land from East to West. It began to promote the lucrative trade in fine silk fabric, but soon extended to teas, spices and other fine products.
Beginning in China and leading to the Mediterranean Sea, the Silk Road also facilitated the exchange of aromatic items. For example, rosewater and rose oil came from Persia, while sandalwood made its way from India to the West. Both were significant influencers in early perfumery.
Aromatic Cultural Influences
Perfumiers in the West were delighted by the arrival of these precious aromatics from the East and promptly set about creating new fragrances by incorporating them with local ingredients. This mixture of East and West fuelled creativity and led to the development of a new range of scents specific to their place of manufacture.
The introduction of base notes like sandalwood and frankincense added depth and sophistication. Middle notes like cinnamon, cassia and myrrh added heart, and light notes like myrrh and citrus added freshness. This fusion of East and West ultimately laid the foundation for many future perfume styles that we still recognise today.
Browse the range online at Homage Perfumes and find your perfect perfume. Whether you love East or West, you will find what you are looking for in our extensive range.
