Perfumes are often fragrant, pleasant-smelling liquid-based products that many people use in everyday life. Whether it is a daily routine, or purely for special occasions, there is no doubt that perfume today plays a fundamental role in an individual's identity and personal taste. However, the question remains of how perfume has evolved since its inception and how it has played a broader social and cultural role on the individual throughout history. We will first explore the beginnings of perfumes in ancient history, then we will delve into the more modern scenario of its popularization and commercial availability and, finally, we will analyze how perfume is perceived and used today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe first appearance of perfumes can be traced back thousands of years. The oldest perfume found was in Cyprus, dating back to around 1850 BC. The site was actually a perfume manufacturing workshop that was preserved by an earthquake that covered the various bottles, bowls and other tools in the earth. Evidence of perfume production has also been found in the Minoan civilization of Crete in the Bronze Age. The ancient Egyptians also dedicated themselves to perfumery, but fragrances were mainly used in religious rituals, such as in the mummification process. However, personal use occurred among the upper classes, for example when the wearer placed a piece of wax infused with herbs, flowers or spices on their head which gradually melted and the scent enveloped them. The first “chemists” of perfumery were women, one of whom is known as Tapputi-Belatekallim. Evidence found on cuneiform tablets in Mesopotamia dating back to around 2,000 BC details the processes and tools needed to create a perfume, almost similar to a cookbook. Moving on to the Middle Ages in Europe, liquid perfume-like fragrances, along with herbs and flowers, were generally associated with medicine. A 9th-century English manuscript on herbal remedies, called the Leech Book of Bald, describes in detail how to cure ailments, instructing the use of fragrant plants in herbal baths, garlands, or steams. In 1307, the first modern perfume – “modern” means it is similar to the ingredients used in perfumes today; Fragrance oils mixed in an alcohol solution – it was created. Queen Elizabeth of Hungary popularized this type of perfume in Europe and, as the Renaissance approached, perfume became a very fashionable trend among the aristocracy. Now, for example, the bourgeoisie could distinguish themselves from ordinary people through their perfume. There was a certain "perfume hierarchy", according to which the richest smelled more pleasant than the poor, who could not afford such a luxury. The production of fragrances and perfumes was turning into an industry in the nineteenth century; its use was becoming more widespread as sensitivity to “bad” odors and personal hygiene became more common. Along with increased sensitivity to unpleasant odors, perfume began to become more conservative in its use, with the belief that excessive odor could be bad. Additionally, perfumes began to be gendered, with lighter floral scents becoming feminine and sharper woody scents associated with masculine. Innovations in creating synthetic compounds in the late 19th century reduced production costs and made perfume more widely consumed, allowing people who could not afford luxury perfumes to obtain cheaper ones. Once chemistry was added to the equation, perfumers were incapable of creating much more complex fragrances, essentially becoming artists of the science of smell. One of the most popular and well-known perfumes is n. 5 by Chanel, created in 1921. Gabrielle Chanel, a French fashion designer at the time known for her simplistic style, wanted to create a perfume that was inimitable and distinct, using a combination of rich natural materials and complex synthetic aldehydes. It was the first perfume that used synthetic materials. Along with Chanel, this notion of perfumes signifying social status and luxury has been repeated in other brands such as Guerlain, Lanvin and Caron. At the beginning of its marketing, the perfume was advertised mainly towards women, although the men's market slowly followed the same trend. The popularization of perfume in America soon followed the boom in France. Perfume makers tended to imitate what was popular in Europe until the 1970s, when New York-based cosmetics brand Revlon launched “Charlie” in 1973. From there, the American perfume market became independent and distinct from the French and European ones. perfume market was predominantly among women. Chanel herself is said to have said that “a woman without perfume is a woman without a future”. The idea that perfume is a necessity, not only to smell good, but to be a functioning woman in society is an absolutely absurd statement, but one that shows the dated stereotype of how women were supposed to be seen and smelled, as elegant and feminine. Hollywood stars, such as Marilyn Monroe, promoted 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 America was $8 billion and the global number was $46 billion, with Europe being the largest consumer of scented products. There are still various niche perfume manufacturers that cater only to the wealthy, but the perfume can be enjoyed at many lower prices. Clothing designers, celebrities, and other notable people are often found promoting or creating perfumes for popular consumption. Perfume may not be seen as a necessity for many people, as general cleaning practices can help mask one's natural odor, but for some it is a staple in their daily lives. Perfume is a highly personal object, which an individual can choose to reflect their personality, brighten their mood or influence how they wish to be perceived, and can play a crucial role in a person's identity. Choosing a perfume has similarities to how we choose our clothes. We all have some type of style and preference, especially when it comes to perfume, and even if we don't consciously want to impress others by wearing these items, we do it either way. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Most people have dabbled in the world of perfumery, whether with the daily sprinkling of a perfume or even simply using a scented deodorant. Cases of people using perfumes date back thousands of years, and we continue to use them today. While we don't use perfumes specifically for religious purposes or in hopes of curing illnesses, variations still exist. Practices like aromatherapy, using incense, or even spraying Febreze in a stale room are all essentially acts of scenting, whether on yourself or an entire area. Perfumes are still seen as a sign of status. (2017)., 42(1), 23-41.