Perfumes are often fragrant and pleasant-smelling liquid products that many people use in their daily lives. Whether it is a daily ritual or special occasions, there is no doubt that perfume today plays a fundamental role in an individual's identity and personal tastes. However, the question remains how perfume has evolved since its creation and how it has played a greater social and cultural role on the individual throughout history. We will first explore the beginnings of perfumes in ancient history, then delve into the more modern establishment of their popularization and commercial availability, and finally, analyze how perfume is perceived and used today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayThe first appearance of perfume dates back thousands of years. The oldest perfume found was in Cyprus, dating from around 1850 BCE. The site was actually a perfume making workshop which was preserved by an earthquake which covered the various bottles, mixing bowls and other earthen tools. Evidence of perfume production has also been found in the Minoan civilization on Crete during the Bronze Age. The ancient Egyptians also practiced perfumery, but perfumes were primarily used in religious rituals, such as in the mummification process. However, personal use did occur in the upper classes, such as when the wearer placed a piece of wax infused with herbs, flowers, or spices on his head which gradually melted and the scent enveloped him. The first perfume “chemists” were women, including Tapputi-Belatekallim. Evidence found on cuneiform tablets in Mesopotamia dating from around 2,000 BCE details the processes and tools needed to create perfume, almost akin to a cookbook. During the Middle Ages in Europe, liquid perfumes similar to perfumes, as well as herbs and flowers, were commonly associated with medicine. A 9th-century English manuscript on herbal remedies, called the Leech Book of Bald, details how to cure illnesses, explaining the use of fragrant plants in herbal baths, garlands, or steams. In 1307, the first modern perfume – “modern” meaning it is similar to ingredients used in perfumes today; fragrance oils mixed with an alcohol solution – was created. Queen Elizabeth of Hungary popularized this type of perfume in Europe, and as the Renaissance approached, perfume became a very popular trend among the aristocracy. From now on, for example, the bourgeoisie could distinguish themselves from ordinary mortals by their perfume. There was a certain “hierarchy of perfumes”, in which the richest smelled better than the poor, who could not afford such luxury. In the 19th century, perfumery and perfume production was becoming an industry; its use became more widespread as sensitivities to "foul" odors and personal hygiene became more common. Along with increased sensitivities to foul odors, perfume began to become more conservative in its use, with the belief that too strong a smell could be bad. Additionally, perfumes began to be gendered, with lighter floral scents becoming feminine and sharper woody scents becoming associated with the masculine. Innovations in creating synthetic compounds in the late 19th century reduced the cost of production and made perfume more widely consumed, allowingpeople who couldn't afford luxury perfumes to get a cheaper one. Once chemistry was added to the equation, perfumers were able to create much more complex scents, essentially becoming artists in the science of smell. One of the most popular and well-known perfumes is Chanel's Number 5, created in 1921. Gabrielle Chanel, at the time a French fashion designer known for her simplistic style, wanted to create an inimitable and distinct perfume, using a combination of rich natural materials and synthetic aldehyde complexes. It was the first perfume using synthetic materials. With Chanel, this notion of perfume signifying social status and luxury was repeated in other brands like Guerlain, Lanvin and Caron. At the beginning of its marketing, the perfume was primarily aimed at women, although the men's market slowly followed the same trend. The popularization of perfume in America shortly followed the boom in France. Perfume manufacturers tended to imitate what was popular in Europe until the 1970s, when New York-based cosmetics brand Revlon launched "Charlie" in 1973. From then on, the American perfume market has become independent and distinct from the French and European market. The perfume market is predominantly female. Chanel herself is said to have said “a woman without perfume is a woman without a future”. The idea that perfume is a necessity, not only to smell good, but also to be a functional woman in society is an extremely absurd statement, but one that shows the outdated stereotype that women had to be seen and perfumed, like elegant and feminine. Hollywood stars, such as Marilyn Monroe, encouraged the use of perfume, and despite the general conservatism of 1950s America, women were attracted to the use of perfume to enhance their attractiveness. Perfume continues to be a fashionable and popular item today. In 2015, the value of perfume sales in the United States was $8 billion and the global figure was $46 billion, with Europe being the largest consumer of perfumery products. There are still various niche perfume manufacturers that cater only to the wealthy, but perfume can be enjoyed at many lower prices. Clothing designers, celebrities, and other notable figures often promote or create perfumes for popular consumption. Perfume may not be considered a necessity for many people, as general cleanliness practices can help cover up a person's natural odor, but for some, it is a staple in their daily lives . Perfume is a very personal item, which an individual can choose to reflect their personality, brighten their mood or influence how they wish to be perceived, and it can play a crucial role in a person's identity. Choosing a perfume has similarities to how we choose our clothes. We all have a style and preference, especially among perfumes, and while we may not consciously want to make an impression on others by wearing these items, we do in all cases. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Personalized Trial Most people have dabbled in the world of perfumery, whether through daily spraying with perfume or even just using a scented deodorant. Cases of people using perfumes date back thousands of years and we continue to use them today. Although we do not specifically use perfumes for religious purposes or in the hope of curing illnesses, there are. (2017)., 42(1), 23-41.