Sunday, December 17, 2006

Looking back into the history, many agree that duringQueen Shebas rule (queen of Yemen and Ethiopia), theEgyptians were the first to incorporate perfume intotheir culture. Perfume became an integral part of theirculture and life as they used it during the religiousceremonies involving the burning of incense to theembalming of the dead. The most important perfume usedby the Egyptians was the kyphi. Scholars claim that whenthe tomb of Tutankhamen was opened, this was the odorthat issued forth. Kyphi apart, even the scents likethe fragrant myrrh were considered precious than gold.There was a mention of perfume in the Bible too, as oneof the Three Wise Men brought this gift to the newbornChrist.

After defeating Darius III of persia, when Alexander theGreat moved in Egypt he learnt about perfumes. It was saidthat the floors were sprinkled with scented waters and hisclothes were imprinted with perfumes of fragrant resinsand myrrh. However, it's the Greeks who brought about thescience of perfume by categorizing them by the part of theplant from which they were made and documenting theircompositions.

Kim Draper gives us an insight on perfume making: "Thestrength of your aromatic liquid or perfume depends on theratio of essential oils to water and alcohol. Perfume isthe strongest formula: 15-30 percent essential oil, 70-85percent alcohol, and the remainder or at least 5 percentwater. Use bottled, distilled or spring wateronly. 100 proof Vodka should be used for the alcohol, youmay also use Brandy, but it has a distinct aroma of its ownand sometimes gets in the way of blending in the essentialoils."If you want to add color,Draper continues, use a highquality, natural, vegetable food dye. You will also needsterilized bottles to put your creations in, and as much asyou want to use the pretty clear cut glass bottles, pleasedont. They attract perfumes worst enemy: the sun.

Solia Delphem is the occupier of perfume feel perfume which is a premier resource for perfume information.