FAQ About The Cultural Evolution of Perfume in Fashion and Art

What is the historical origin of perfume in culture?

The use of perfume can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Cyprus. Initially, perfumes were used for religious rituals and mummification processes. The word 'perfume' originates from the Latin 'per fumum,' meaning 'through smoke,' which describes how scents were released in rituals through burning incense. Over time, perfumes became a symbol of wealth and status, with intricate methods developed to extract fragrances from flowers, herbs, and spices.