Birthplace of perfumery is not France, as many think, and Ancient Egypt. Although spirits in the usual sense did not exist, fragrant substances play in the lives of ancient Egyptians huge role. Fragrances used in two areas: the fumigation of rooms and as incense for the body. Spirits with alcohol did not know then, but instead used a variety of ointments and balms.
Ancient Egyptian method of fumigation facilities and now sometimes used, for example, in the sauna or oil burner. It lies in the fact that fragrant wood, fruit, spice or resin is placed on a heat source. By heating the aroma spreads throughout the room. Later fumigation premises became imperative ritual ceremonies. In the temples of simple components were replaced by a complex mixture of many ingredients. This is evidenced by the recipes that have been found by archaeologists in Edfu and Thebes. The basis for the complex mixtures of a resin of coniferous trees or honey. Mixtures classified according to their purpose. Thus, isolated spices for burial, for worship, for lubrication and for the rite of purification.
During the period of the New Empire (1580-1085 BC) have been the object of a secular flavors application despite the fact that they continued to produce priests. Women used perfumed creams and oils for their toilets or rejuvenation, can not do without them during the rituals of love. Ointments and balms were used not only for flavor, but also for medicinal and cosmetic purposes: they were treated with burns, wounds, softens and purifies skin. As already mentioned, alcohol ancient Egyptians did not know, so as a basis for ointments used vegetable oils and animal fat. In balms and ointments are often added dyes to give them a more aesthetic appearance. Store them in vases or ceramic vials in the form of animals. Later bottles were made of glass.
In ancient Egypt, the most common components of incense were myrrh, mastic, juniper, fenugreek seeds, pistachios. Usually they are ground into powder and then mixed with a "backbone", which served as resin conifers or honey. In fashion were sweet, too heavy odors. Flowers in perfumery are not used, so frequent component of modern perfume - Egyptian jasmine - can not be considered a characteristic ingredient of Egyptian perfume.
At present, the interest in the ancient Egyptian perfume gradually increases. So, the French company L'Oreal since 1996 explores the vials stored in the Louvre. She tries to uncover the secrets of medicinal and cosmetic properties of ancient potions. In addition, it was found that cosmetics and perfumery ancient Egypt differed in quality. For its designation use special characters, like the cross in a circle. If the bottle was one such sign, it means "good quality", if the three - that "top grade".
Of course, to recreate the flavors of Ancient Egypt is not possible, because most ancient technologies irretrievably lost. In addition, the tastes of today's women are likely very different from the ancient Egyptian preferences. Nevertheless, many perfumers continue in their works from time to time refer to the ancient Egyptian theme.
To feel like Cleopatra, "put" on a little musky perfume with hints of juniper wood. Unfortunately, such is not suitable perfume every day, because they are quite heavy. Hot summer day they will sound too stifling, but the magic of romantic night alone with your loved one, they will give an unforgettable experience.