The Origins of Perfume: Fragrance Usage in Ancient Egypt The use of perfume is widely believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. In Egypt there were two ways through which aromas were created: By the burning of incense and through the application of scented oils, ointments and balms.

The use of perfumes can be traced back at least 4000 years, during which time its uses have changed and developed. This article aims to look at the early stages in perfumes history and look at how its initial uses changed as it began to spread across the world. The word perfume itself is derived from the Latin phrase "per fumus" which directly translates as "through smoke". The French later coined the term Parfum to refer to the scents that were carried in the smoke created by burning incense.

The use of perfume is widely believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. In Egypt there were two ways through which aromas were created: By the burning of incense and through the application of scented oils, ointments and balms. Initially perfume was closely linked to religious ceremonies, particularly throughout biblical times as can be seen through the repeated references to perfumes and fragrances throughout the bible. Over time the use of fragrances and perfumes became detached from religion and Egyptians became free to use aromatics as they wished. Despite this the use of aromatics is still fairly common in religious services (particularly within the Catholic Church).

Through the years 1000-2000BC the Egyptians pioneered the elaborate bathing regimes that would later be trademarks of Roman and Greek cultures. An integral part of this routine involved the application of oil to the skin to help avoid it becoming dried out by the sun. Over time the Egyptians developed scented variants of these oils which became the precursors to perfume as we know it today. In Egyptian culture bathing was deemed a social and pleasurable activity which most Egyptians would partake in daily, some multiple times.

Perfume use was also commonly used in the post mortem embalming process that Egyptians were renowned for. Potent perfumes were added to tombs and it was believed that the fragrance would be carried with the deceased soul as they progressed to heaven. Many of these perfumes were so strong that even multiple millennia after certain Pharroes were sealed in their tombs the fragrance of the perfume remained detectable.

It is believed that one of the main reasons the use of perfume developed so extensively in Egypt was its geographical location and climate; which allowed for the import and growth of many fragrant materials that could be used in the creation of perfume.

Nowadays elaborate bottles are one of perfumes trademarks. This practise was also developed by the Egyptians who would use a multitude of precious materials from which to craft unique containers.

The use of perfume changed greatly over the centuries that followed allowing it to reach its present status where perfume and aftershave are daily use household products and many popular designers and cosmetics companies now focus on fragrances such as Givenchy Perfume alongside their fashion and makeup lines.
By Jack Mack

 SOURCE : http://www.buzzle.com/articles/the-origins-of-perfume-fragrance-usage-in-ancient-egypt.html
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