Scents That Sing "Spring!"

"And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, And in green underworld and cover Blossom by blossom the spring begins." ~ Algernon Charles Swinburne from When the Hounds of Spring

It's Fragrant Friday and I am thinking about Scents that Sing Spring, which for me are primarily of green to both nose and vision, especially after a good healthy dose of rain. It's the color and scent of fresh grass, leaves and new life. Each day I hear the birds chirping their happy little tunes which provides a nice musical score while I write or formulate perfumes.

In my palette of plant fragrances the scent of Galbanum Resin, is one of my very favorites and oh soooo very green. The other note in the I find extremely green is Violet Leaf absolute. Both these essences can only be used in minute amounts or the blend will be completely overtaken by their strong verdant personality. I won't go on about this since I have just about exasperated the subject of green here at this journal. On a visual level, conifer absolutes like Fir, Spruce and/or Pine, contain the essence of green in their chroma. This trio is thick and viscous imparting a gorgeous vivid color to a botanical perfume. Another way to obtain the hue of green is by tincturing specific raw materials that when put to alcohol will give up their color as well as their aroma. Some work best than others, I encourage you to experiment to find the one you like best in both aroma and color.

"Green how I want you green. Green wind. Green branches." ~ Federico Garcia Lorca

As mentioned above I also attribute Spring to life. Transitioning from the cold and dark of Winter to the warmth and light of the Spring feels rejuvenating. If you are still feeling a bit in the doldrums consider using Frankincense essential oil as a single note perfume or in the bath before bed. Jan Kusmirek in his little book"Aromatherapy for the Family" mentions Frankincense when experiencing the sense a burnout.

Before I say adieu, here is a green perfume contribution from my own botanical fragrances: Smell Me, which is based on the journey Alice takes through Wonderland. The scent is fresh, lively and green. Here are a few words from a lovely client:

 

"On me it started out with a beautiful citrus burst of blood orange and lemon with bits of burnt marshmallow and earth (I think the violet leaf is most pronounced here). Then it evolves to a wonderful  fresh cut grass- reminding me of a wheat grass shot mixed with some fresh roses that are just barely blooming. In the dry down Smell Me is a big bright rose intertwined with a few jasmine flowers, juicy oranges and cedar wood to round out the scent."

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IMAGES: Opening illustration ©Greg Spalenka, Pine cone ©Roxana Villa, and Scents That Sing Spring by Elena of Perfume Shrine, please respect my copyright.