AT FIRST, THE USE OF FRAGRANCES WAS PRIMARILY ASSOCIATED...

2. At first, the use of fragrances was primarily associated with healing. Aromatic alcoholic waters were

ingested as well as used externally. Fragrances were used to purify the air, both for spiritual and health

purposes. During the Black Death, the bubonic plague was thought to have resulted from a bad odour

which could be averted by inhaling pleasant fragrances such as cinnamon. The Black Death led to an

aversion to using water for washing, and so perfume was commonly used as a cleaning agent.