The 2nds sense of smell not only helps you smell but also influences your emotions. Therefore, fragrance has always been an important ingredient for everyone. If you wonder about the history of perfumes, you are in the right place. Today, I will take you to the ancient times when the first person took a long breath after experiencing the best smell.
Let’s begin with the history of perfume!
History Of Perfume
Long ago, in places like Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and China, people started creating perfumes. Romans and early Arab and Persian pharmacists later enhanced the process. They figured out distillation and the blending of essences from plants in alcohol. The word “perfume” traces back to the Latin term “per fumare,” meaning “through smoke.” Initially, perfumes were aromatic resins or incense designed to burn. In ancient times, dating back to around 10,000 BC, people used perfumes mainly for religious purposes during magical rituals. The dense incense smoke was believed to carry human prayers to the gods. As civilizations in Mesopotamia developed, perfumes expanded to include oils of plant and animal origin. In ancient Egypt, temples crafted perfumes from aromatic ingredients like roses, honey, myrrh, dry grapes, and old wine. Solid perfumes, particularly kyphi, made from these elements, were popular and burned daily as a tribute to deities.
Similarly, the perfume-making wisdom traveled to medieval Europe. Fragrant oils serve dual purposes, not only for perfumes but also for healing and well-being. This connection led to a close intertwining of the professions of perfumers and apothecaries or pharmacists. During the late 18th and 19th centuries, the French Revolution and European wars prompted Britain to commercialize and manufacture European fragrances. The period witnessed rapid industrialization and technological progress, leading to a prosperous and affluent consumer society in Britain compared to its neighbors. The British Empire, facilitated by global trade routes introduced various ingredients to perfumers.
According to Wikipedia, Cyprus is the world’s oldest perfume. It was uncovered during excavations in 2004-2005 led by an Italian archaeological team. Dating back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age, it is a significant historical discovery in the world of perfumery.
Timeline of Perfumes
- 4000 BCE: Perfumery was discovered in Cyprus, with industrial-scale manufacturing.
- 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE: Distillation of Ittar mentioned in Hindu texts during Indus civilization.
- 3000 BC onward: Egyptians use scents for status, mummification, and daily hygiene.
- 2nd millennium BC: Tapputi, the first recorded perfumer, distills flowers and aromatic compounds in Babylon.
- Romans and Greeks: Rose-scented water hides bad smells, and blown glass containers were created for perfume storage.
- 6th century onward: Islamic cultures contribute to Middle Eastern perfumery, impacting Western chemistry and science.
- Europe: Perfumery arrived in Europe in the 14th century under Arabic influence.
- 1371: The first alcohol-based fragrance, “Hungary Water,” was made for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary.
- France 14th century onward: France becomes the perfume capital, and Grasse is considered the world’s perfume capital.
- England 16th century onward: Perfume was used to combat bad smells in public places during Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
- Italy 18th century: Johann Maria Farina created the first alcohol-based Eau de Cologne in 1709.
- New World/America: Florida water, a mix of eau de cologne with lemongrass and clove oils, used during New France explorations.
- Russia 19th century onward: Russian perfume manufacturing grew during the 19th century.
- 1970s to 2000s: Considered the golden period of perfumery, with compounds like deer musk and oakmoss still in use.
- 2000s to today: Significant shift with restrictions on raw compounds, a rise of niche and indie perfumery, and challenges in quality and innovation.
- Today, more branded perfumes decorated with custom hang tags and clothing hang tags are presented to the world.
Who invented Perfume?
Tapputi was the world’s first recorded perfumer or chemist who invented the first perfume. Tapputi-Belatekallim was a historical figure and the world’s first recorded perfumer or chemist, known from a Cuneiform tablet dating back to 1200 BCE in Babylonian Mesopotamia. Her significance goes beyond her pioneering role in perfumery. She was a prominent figure in Mesopotamian government and religion and served as the overseer of the Mesopotamian Royal Palace. Tapputi’s legacy lies at the intersection of science, fragrance, and societal influence, marking her as an early trailblazer in the art and craft of perfumery.
Aside from being an influential figure in the government and religion of Mesopotamia, she also played a significant part in managing the affairs of the Mesopotamian Royal Palace. It is worth noting that this early pioneer set the stage for an exciting junction of science, fragrance, and societal impact. Remember, a perfumer is a very skillful artisan who can create fragrance compositions using his knowledge, procedure and sensitive nose. The path to becoming a perfumer usually starts by being an apprentice in a school of fragrance for about three years. Tapputi is armed with comprehensive training and experience in handwork to identify and combine different fragrance ingredients effectively.
Where was Cologne Invented?
Cologne got its name from the city where it originated: Cologne, or Köln, in Germany. It is traditionally formulated into a blend of citrus and natural floral scent. 1709 saw the creation of the original cologne itself; when it was first made, this perfume did not have gender specifications, though today it is considered to be a man’s fragrance. It sought “to embody ‘an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain.’” In the early 18th century, both men and women wore heavy, musky-scent cologne was quite a refreshing break from tradition.
Summarizing
The history of perfumes goes back to 4000 BCE. From the discovery of fragrance to the invention of perfumes, it has been a long-time struggle for many perfumers. It was the Tapputi who invented the first perfume and the actual race of these products started. As discussed above, everyone started creating different perfumes by mixing different scents and chemicals. Today, it has become a daily use product of our life to feel fresh and calm.
