From religious offerings to fashion: How perfume become an integral part of our lifestyle? 

Marilyn Monroe once famously said, 'What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel no. 5, of course.' This iconic dialogue from the legendary actress depicts women's intense allure towards perfume, even in the most unusual moments. 

Perfume, a scented liquid, has been an essential element of women's attire for centuries. It's also used as a means of self-expression and aristocracy. The captivating evolution of perfumery from ancient to modern times is as delightful as its fragrance. 

Started with the religious offerings

Perfume's history starts in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where aromatic things were used for religious context, god offerings, and purification. They used a variety of natural ingredients, such as fragrant flowers, herbs, cinnamon, resin, etc., to make perfumes for their religious purposes.

Over time, the use of perfume expanded beyond religious contexts and found its way into daily life. Subsequently, perfumes symbolized royalty and luxury that was only accessible to the elites. Only the affluent could afford perfumes, and they became an indicator of prestige and class differentiation. 

In Ancient Greece, perfumes were used for hygiene

Ancient Greeks and Romans also helped shape the establishment of perfume. People used perfumes for personal grooming and hygiene. Greeks used scented oils for massages, bathing, and therapeutic purposes, while Romans used them for making cosmetics and room fresheners. 

During the Middle Ages, Europeans reduced the use of perfume due to religious beliefs, as pleasure and luxury were deemed sinful according to their faith. 

Perfumery in the Islamic Age

Then, the Muslim world took the initiative to preserve the art of perfumery and introduced new techniques and ingredients to save it. Muslim chemists and traders played a crucial role in spreading the knowledge of perfumery worldwide. To smell well is also considered appreciated by Muslim believers as it is part of their Sunnah. 

From religious purposes, perfume shifted to luxury 

During the Renaissance, Europeans showed renewed interest in perfumery, and perfume became widely available. Moreover, perfume began to be associated with fashion and luxury, especially among the European aristocracy. It has evolved to symbolize femininity, sensuality, and self-expression. Women use perfume to enhance their personal preferences and as a form of adornment and confidence booster. 

Throughout the Industrial Revolution, perfume became a household name accessible to a broader consumer in the 18th century. One of the earliest perfume brands, Farina Gegenuber, created by Giovanni Maria Farina in Cologne, Germany, was established in this century. Farina's iconic Eau de Cologne brought a revolutionary change in the perfume industry and gained vast popularity worldwide. 

It also became a synonym for elegance and refinement. Likewise, this revolution is primarily credited to technological advancements and mass production. 

By the 19th and 20th centuries, perfume had firmly rooted itself in women's dressing and personal grooming. Iconic perfumes such as Chanel no. 5, made by Coco Chanel, Guerlain, and Co., emerged in this era, shaping the modern perfume industry.

World War ll had a significant impact on the perfume industry. With resources redirected towards the war effort, perfume production faced limitations. Some perfume houses shifted their focus to producing beneficial products for medical and military purposes instead of luxury products. 

However, despite these horrible challenges, the perfume industry persevered and adapted to the wartime consequences. 

Throughout the centuries, perfume has remained the preferred choice for women, rising above cultural and societal shifts. 

The perfume industry is a multi-billion dollar global market with a projected revenue of US$59.87bn worldwide in 2024. Perfume continues to evolve and innovate. Despite numerous changes in women's grooming products, perfume remains the most preferable for women's adornment, a timeless accessory that adds the finishing touch to any outfit.

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