Pomanders

Pomanders

Pomanders are small, fragrant balls made of various materials, such as spices, herbs, and flowers, that were used in the past as a form of perfume or as a way to ward off disease. The word pomander comes from the French word pomme d'ambre, which means apple of amber, and refers to the original practice of using ambergris, a waxy substance found in the intestines of sperm whales, as a base for the scent. Pomanders were originally used in the Middle Ages as a way to protect against the Black Death, a deadly plague that ravaged Europe. People believed that the disease was spread by bad smells, so they carried pomanders filled with aromatic herbs and spices to ward off the odors and the disease. The pomanders were often made of gold or silver and were decorated with precious stones and enamel work. In addition to their use as a disease preventative, pomanders were also used as a form of personal perfume. They were often carried in a small container, such as a locket or a small bag, and were used to freshen the air or to mask unpleasant odors. Today, pomanders are still used as a decorative item or as a way to add fragrance to a room. They are often made of oranges or other citrus fruits that are studded with cloves and tied with a ribbon. The scent of the cloves and the citrus combine to create a fresh, clean aroma that is both uplifting and invigorating.

fragrance, disease prevention, Middle Ages, Black Death, citrus

— Thomas Harris