Like the “Game of Thrones” series, our “Game of Perfumes” series now presents episode 2 of the history of perfume, which will explain the medieval period. In the previous blogs, we talked about the origins of perfume and its ancient history. Now, let’s dig into how perfume was used in medieval times. One cool thing about medieval perfume is that it was used to fight against disease. Back then, they believed that sickness could be passed through strong smells, so they used fragrance to stay healthy. Read out to this blog and learn about the more amazing facts regarding perfume and Fragrance in the Medieval and Renaissance Periods.

Let me remind you of the Game of Thrones outfit details before we get started. There are moments when you want to pause the film to take in the unique Game of Thrones outfits. The Game of Thrones costumes are amazing. Each family and region have its unique style and characteristics. For example, Daenerys Targaryen wears light, elegant dresses that perfectly complement her appearance, while Sansa Stark looks stunning in fur capes and cloaks. It’s important to note that the costumes, style, and characters evolve throughout the series. The outfits often symbolize the inner state and mood of the characters. Through the costumes, you can observe the characters’ status and growth. It’s truly an incredible work to watch.

But what If I say to make your outfit more attractive you can carry the scented aesthetic accessory with you? It’s a fact that people are known for their dress and scent. In the past, individuals used to carry scented balls with them, wearing them as necklaces, just like in Game of Thrones, where Dragon Queen Daenerys Targaryen enhances her beautiful outfit with a Pomander hanging from her neck.

Medieval Europeans carried scented balls to Fight against Diseases

Do you know? People used to carry aromatic pomanders in the Middle Ages to against illness and bad odours. These pomanders, which were frequently worn on chains, were basically perfumed balls or mixtures in a container. These pomanders were usually filled with mixtures of herbs, spices, and other aromatic materials that were thought to have the ability to ward against illness and encourage overall well-being. The idea that pleasant scents may clean the air and prevent disease served as the basis for the practice.

Have you ever what are clove oranges we see during Christmas? In the past, fragrant mixes of herbs, spices, dried fruit, and ambergris were used in homes for a pleasant aroma. This practice evolved into the clove-studded oranges we know today, often seen during Christmas. Now, let me explain to you about, how fragrance mixes were used in past.

Pomanders:

Pomanders are scented balls that are worn at the end of a chain. The name “pomanders” comes from the French word “Pomme d’Ambre ” which means “Amber Apple.” Pomanders were small devices made of wood, metal, and porcelain, designed specifically to eliminate foul odours. People from the upper class often carried pomanders to enjoy a pleasant aroma. This practice dates back to a time before the invention of deodorant and modern toothpaste, so people tended to smell a bit more than we do today.

People believed that foul odours could cause illness, and humans have always been fascinated by fragrance, whether in ancient times, medieval times, or in our current generation. Due to these beliefs and our natural attraction to pleasant scents, people carried satchels or small bags filled with sweet-smelling herbs, spices, and flowers.

Those with limited resources filled their satchels with items they could grow in their gardens, such as rosemary, mint, lavender, or roses. Wealthier individuals added spices like cloves, cinnamon, or the dried rinds of exotic fruits, such as oranges and lemons. Therefore, people in medieval times used pomander balls to enjoy pleasant aromas and to protect themselves from the plague. Even doctors believed that perfume could ward off the Black Death.

During the medieval period, doctors wore beak-like masks filled with dried flowers, spices, herbs, and vinegar to protect themselves from miasma. It would not be an exaggeration to say that people in medieval times considered fragrance an essential part of their lives. They carried various scents, including citrus, floral, and perfume scents, with them at all times. However, I have yet to mention the most fascinating fact about pomander balls: the most important component carried by people in them was ambergris. Now, let me tell you about ambergris.

Ambergris:

Ambergris is a substance produced in the stomach of a whale. It is a large, oily hairball that is coughed up by a sperm whale. Despite its origins, it has a very pleasant odour, making it a popular perfume ingredient. However, ambergris is very rare and expensive. Wealthy individuals in medieval times would wear a carved circle of ambergris around their necks to showcase their expensive perfume.

A sperm whale’s diet includes large quantities of squid. When whales eat squid and other prey, their digestive system begins to break down the food. Ambergris is formed when bile secretions, undigested squid beaks, and other intestinal matter get mixed within the intestinal tract. Some scientists believe that ambergris is formed as a means to protect the whale’s digestive system by surrounding and encapsulating indigestible or irritating substances, such as sharp squid beaks.

Ambergris has a fragrant and perfumy smell, with warm, musky, earthy, and sweet notes. The scent profile includes hints of musk, vanilla, tobacco, and damp earth. Ambergris’s aroma is both alluring and complex, making it a popular ingredient in the fragrance industry. Due to the uncertainty in supply and the fact that ambergris takes years to develop, it’s widely regarded as a rare find. The most desirable form of ambergris is solid, light in colour, pleasant-smelling, and waxy.

Squid beaks may cause a deadly blockage in the whale’s intestinal tract, which causes ambergris to be expelled into the sea. Perfume made from ambergris was thought to have medicinal properties and possibly even freshen breath.

The sperm whale is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. As a result, actual ambergris for sale is now rare. Instead, synthetic ambergris, which is made in a laboratory, is being produced and sold. However, this synthetic version is not as effective as the natural one.

In conclusion,

During the medieval period, people knew how to extract real scents from nature. The use of animal secretions such as Ambergris, deer musk, beaver castoreum, and civet in perfumery has been a longstanding tradition. These natural ingredients contribute to the distinctive and complex scents found in many perfumes, adding depth and character to the fragrance compositions. While the use of animal secretions may be controversial, they have played a significant role in the art of perfumery and continue to be utilized in creating unique and alluring scents.