The very beggining of olfactive art 3 mars 2025

In many ancient civilizations, its use was reserved for the privileged classes or religious circles, giving it an exclusive and mysterious character.

Ancient Egypt

In Egypt, for example, aromatic ingredients such as frankincense and myrrh were so precious that they were part of offerings to the gods and accompanied the pharaohs on their journey to the afterlife. The Egyptians even created a divinity, Nefertoum, linked to perfume, thus recognizing the mystical value of fragrances.

Perfumes in Eastern cultures

In Eastern cultures, perfumes were part of the family heritage, handed down from generation to generation.

Perfumes and the Orient

In the case of Eastern cultures, perfume has acquired a unique role in daily life and family spirituality. In countries such as China and Japan, perfumes had a familiar and intimate dimension.  Families created their own aromatic blends, which were vigorously kept secret to the public, so they are sacred. This kind of practice gave each household its own olfactory identity, elevating perfume to the status of a cultural legacy that transcended the individual.

Islam and the art of scenting

Another example can be found in Islamic civilization, where classical perfumery used oil bases instead of alcohol, due to religious beliefs that alcohol could trap the soul of plant ingredients. In this context, perfume was not only a luxury product, but also an expression of respect and spiritual devotion, marking a significant departure from the perfumes developed in Europe.

Master perfumers perfect their skills over the years

Master perfumers spend years training their sense of smell and memorizing combinations to recreate specific fragrances. In the 19th century, due to science progress and the synthesis of artificial molecules, perfume began to be democratized. At this time, the concept of the “home angel” was born among the European bourgeoisie, for whom delicate, floral aromas symbolizing purity and femininity were designed.

Business goes from strength to strength

France is ranked on the first place to be the land of best word perfume. Indeed, it has always been that way, France is the world’s leading perfume producers and exporters. Surpassing the likes of the USA, Spain, Italy and Germany. This privileged position is no coincidence, but the result of years of cultural influence and rich biodiversity.

France’s hegemonic position in the field is the fruit of cultural exchanges and its location on trade routes. Indeed, this has played a fundamental role in the country’s evolution as a powerhouse in the sector. Since the days of conquest and exploration, French merchants have brought with them new spices and essences, incorporating ingredients from all over the world into their formulas. The perfume industry generates tens of billions every year, and the figures continue to rise.

A product of self-identification

This article has shown that perfume is not just a luxury product, but also a symbol of self-esteem and well-being, which has seen a particular boom in the wake of the pandemic. For many, the use of perfume has become an act of self-care and emotional recuperation after the difficult times of recent years.