The Songs of Solomon Revisited: Perfume, Kaballah, Judea, and Canaan + 12ml Amouage Homage Attar

 

  

 I have had a theory… that when  the Jews  was slaves in Egypt, they learned perfume making from their Egyptian masters. When the Pharaoh finally let them free, you see the first reference to any scent in Exodus. (Before its use in perfume, incense was commonly used in the religious rituals of the ancient Egyptians)

 

And Hashem said to Mosheh [Heb. Moses] take for yourself sweet spice, stacte, and onycha with galbanum; sweet spice with pure frankincense; they shall be of equal weight. And you shall make incense of it, a frankincense like a perfumer makes; with salt, pure and holy. You shall take a portion of it, and grind it finely; and you shall place the portion before the testimony by Tent of Meeting, that I shall meet you there; holy of holies, it shall be to you.

And it is said: Aharon [Heb. Aaron] shall burn therefore incense of sweet spice, every morning, when he dresses the lamp he shall burn it. And when Aharon lights the lamps at dusk, he shall burn it; a perpetual incense before Hashem, throughout your generations.

וַיֹּאמֶר יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה, קַח לְךָ סַמִּים, נָטָף, וּשְׁחֵלֶת, וְחֶלְבְּנָה, סַמִּים, וּלְבֹנָה זַכָּה, בַּד בְּבַד יְיָ: וְעָשִׂיתָ אֹתָהּ קְטֹרֶת, רֹקַח מַעֲשֵׂה רוֹקֵחַ, מְמֻלָּח טָהוֹר קֹדֶשׁ: וְשָׁחַקְתָּ מִמֶּנָּה הָדֵק, וְנָתַתָּה מִמֶּנָּה לִפְנֵי הָעֵדֻת בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, אֲשֶׁר אִוָּעֵד לְךָ שָׁמָּה, קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים תִּהְיֶה לָכֶם

וְנֶאֶמַר: וְהִקְטִיר עָלָיו אַהֲרֹן קְטֹרֶת סַמִּים בַּבֹּקֶר בַּבֹּקֶר, בְּהֵיטִיבוֹ אֶת הַנֵּרֹת יַקְטִירֶנָּה: וּבְהַעֲלֹת אַהֲרֹן אֶת הַנֵּרֹת בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם יַקְטִירֶנָּה, קְטֹרֶת תָּמִיד לִפְנֵי יְיָ, לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם

 From the Siddur, Seder Ketoret, Exodus 30:34-36, 7-8 -date possibly of the Exodus is 4th century

Narrowly defined, the term refers only to the departure from Egypt described in the Book of Exodus; more widely, it takes in the subsequent law-givings and wanderings in the wilderness between Egypt and Canaan described in the books of Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

We have looked at Makeda the true name of the Queen of Egypt and her connection to the Song of Songs through EnVoyage Perfumes -Makeda.

 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
Song of Solomon, 1. 5

Let us look at the text in terms not just as a love story  but a perfumed trail  as the followers of Moses who left Egypt settled into Judea  and possibly  brought their knowledge  through trade throughout the Middle East.

 

 “Who is it that comes from the wilderness like pillars of smoke perfumed with myrrh and frankincense with all the powders of the merchant?” (Song of Solomon 3:6) This passage alludes not only to the sacred perfumed smoke but also the exotic mystery of the Beloved.

 

 

 

The text is filled with all sorts of sensory references, including to the sense of smell and the power of fragrance.  These are used both in terms of how the lovers depicted delight in each other and as well how the blossoming of the natural world around them echoes their passion.  In chapter one, verse three one lover says “Your ointments yield a sweet fragrance” and in verse four “Although unnamed in the Song of Solomon, the Queen of Sheba is referred to by historians as Habesham and mentioned in many other works including the Koran.  The children of Solomon and the queen of Sheba the modern day Ethiopians we call Falashas.

 

 

So much mystery … any interpretation shows fragrance as a language of love (but of what type of love)? The references to Solomon and the Queen of Sheba are redolent with fragrant elements. There are aromatic references to frankincense, myrrh, cedar, and rose of Sharo .The poetry of the Song of Solomon serves as an olfactive journey into  a world  where  sexual love was revered, and not just for procreation.

 

 

 

 

  

 

Myrrh and Frankincense: the most mentioned fragrant element mentions in the Song of Solomon and, also, the most repeated. “A bundle of myrrh is my beloved unto me. He shall lie all night between my breasts. “(Song of Solomon 1:13) The speaker is expressing how precious her beloved is as myrrh was often equal in weight to the value of gold! During the days of King Solomon myrrh was not only used as a perfume for the wealthiest but also as sacred incense.Cedar is alluded to several times along with fir and woods of Lebanon. Not only are these woods aromatic but also they are strong and symbolize the desire for a lasting union for the lovers. “The beams of our house are ce dar, and our rafters of fir.” (Song of Solomon 1:17)Rose: I am the rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon, 2. 1) –The author of the Songs of Solomon is unknown and it is said it was written in 900 BC )

The author of the Songs of Solomon is unknown and it is said it was written in 900 BC )))

  

There  are also interesting Kabbalah interpretation of the Songs (a sect of Judaism). Some followers- who claim its the only part of the Bible that is the clearest and most accessible pathway to understand the coherent and effective mystical tradition that is behind the poetry of the Bible.

 

Songs of  Songs is one of the overtly mystical Biblical texts for the Kabbalah, which gave esoteric interpretation on all the Hebrew Bible. Following the dissemination of the Zohar in the 13th century, Jewish mysticism took on a metaphorically anthropomorphic erotic element, and Song of Songs was regarded as an example of this. In Zoharic Kabbalah, God is represented by a system of ten sephirot emanations, each symbolizing a different attribute of God, comprising both male and female. (Qabalahists is the term for the celebrities like  Madonna that many say have made this  deep study fashionable without understanding its meaning).

 

 

   

 

An allegory? A myth?  A true love story? There is only one fragrance that can evoke this homage to the Song of Solomon .- Amouage Homage Attar, which was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the house  The floral, feminine side of the composition, the  rose  embraces  the darker, masculine side of the blend built around frankincense. This beguiling union is the perfect fragrance for the Song of Songs

 

 

 Naz Ladha

 

This treasure is brought to you by "Naz" of The Perfume Shoppe To qualify comment on this piece what was the most interesting  part of the article and  name your favorite fragrance from Amouage’s on www.theperfumeshoppe.com or one you would like to try. Draw ends August 4, 2011

 

  

Michelyn Camen Editor in Chief , with contributions from Liza Wade and  Leah Stigler

 I would like to mention that Ayala Sender has a fragrance called Songs of Solomons, but i have not smelled it  🙁 I hope to one day!!!

 I would like

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62 comments

  • Patchouli Leaves sounds just wonderful to me- I like this part of the story as I would love to go to Ethiopia, to the ancient sites there,a most special part of Africa..
    “Although unnamed in the Song of Solomon, the Queen of Sheba is referred to by historians as Habesham and mentioned in many other works including the Koran. The children of Solomon and the queen of Sheba the modern day Ethiopians we call Falashas. “”
    Lovely theory Michelyn

  • Ahhhhhh… the most beautiful book in the Bible, Nicer yet that you trace scent through the book. I can imagine how Homage would fit in just fine.

    I’m also glad you mention the Kabbalah — and separate it from that Madonna thing. I think I own everything Gershom Scholem ever wrote… at least everything that has been translated into English!

  • Wow! What a great piece of writing and I would say every word of this great article filled my thirst of reading it. But I would mention Myrrh and Frankincense as a very interesting part which mentions it being used as a perfume for the wealthiest and as sacred incense. Then it mentions Cedar which is just beautiful.

    I have never got the opportunity to try any of Amouge fragrances so would like to try Epic Woman.

    Thanks!

  • What a wonderful piece of writing, and picking out the scented trail through the song of Solomon is a beautiful idea. I love the double meaning of “A bundle of myrrh is my beloved unto me. He shall lie all night between my breasts”, with the knowledge, what I didn’t know, that myrrh was as precious as gold, but also surely the fragrant memory of her lover is a dream to her.
    I have never tried the Amouage Attars, and would truly love to one day, since the Amouages I have tried all seem to take you on a wondreous journey.
    Thank you for this lovely post.

  • Oops, I forgot too, of the ones I’ve tried my favourite is Lyric Woman. Mmmmm, simply gorgeous.

  • The most interesting reference was that of the rose of sharon…I have a rose of sharon growing in my rock garden – an upright shrub of bright green leaves with a tender blossom of white tinged just barely pink . Trumpet shaped , frilly and very lovely .

    My favorite Amouage is the Original in the minaret bottle , before it was called Gold ..;I would most like to try the candles , I have never sniffed any of them !

  • Beautiful read indeed, thank you so much for your thoughts- it has brought me to ancient mysterious times and roots of our culture. Homage definitely fits into this vision- mysterious, glorious and pefect.
    I have tried some of Amouage fragrances already- while Jubilation XXV is among my favourites.

  • Song of Solomon is also believed to be a representation of God’s love for his people. God is the husband, the bride is his church. From Isaiah 62:5, “As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.” And Christ refers to himself many times in the New Testament as the bridegroom. As to perfume, we the bride prepare ourselves to meet our bridegroom by perfuming ourselves – God loves perfume!!! How cool is that? Of course, it’s an allegory, but what a beautiful picture.

    Amouage is an amazing line of fragrances. My favorite is Dia.

  • I don’t have a favourite part of the article, I think it’s great to remind people that in the ancient past, fragrant oils were highly valued and used with love and appreciation of their beauty and worth.
    It’s a beautifully written post, I really enjoy being taken so far back into the biblic past.
    My favourite of the amouage line is Lyric. But I would love trying all of their attars.

  • My favorite part was “like a perfumer makes”. I had briefly read that before and thought, “they must have had people making perfume!” However, it didn’t really register until I saw that it had registered with you also. Regarding Amouage, I have only tried Lyric and Dia. Lyric is a beautiful rose. Dia kept me up all night. I made the mistake of putting it on before bedtime and kept waking up all night with “what is that fragrance?!”, sniffing and going back to sleep. Maybe it was named Dia for more than one reason. I would love to be entered in the draw because I really doubt this house could make a fragrance that wasn’t lovely.

  • I love that quote from Exodus. Wow. I had no idea of the biblical origins for incense that caused it to be used in religious practices across the world. Do you think that our association of spirituality and incense are in the collective consciousness now? How is it that so many people find frankincense calming and meditative, even if they did not grow up in a culture where they were religious (or didn’t grow up in a religion that utilized incense)?

    And I’m shocked to see that the perfume shoppe even has SOAPS for Amouage. I’m a huge soap fanatic and had never seen that anywhere! Homage is my favorite from the line, but now Gold Woman Soap (and look at those cute mini bottles!!). Naz, your site looks awesome! Somehow, I had never been on it before… and a great selection of PdN too!

  • Amouage according to Christopher chong in my interview with him
    Means waves of emotion from the Arabic amwar
    I hope all religions and those who are secular are swept away by one of the most beautiful poems ever created
    For me this was a very important journey from a spiritual level
    My favorite amouage is opus III
    although I have never tried tribute or homage

  • I thought the pictures chosen to accompany the article were beautiful. My favourite Amouage is Lyric Woman.

  • Francesca Belanger says:

    I love incense, especially the classic resins and woods. So I found this whole article fascinating.
    I haven’t smelled that many Amouages, but I certainly love Jubilation XXV.

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    My favorite part is the reference to myrrh and the importance and the value of it, compared to gold!!!
    I only have tried from Amouage Jubilation XXV and recently Memoir, but I’d love to try Homage, I heard so many good things about it but never had th chance to do it.

  • Very interesting, thank a lot! I likes the most the receipt of the potion. I like so much description of smells. tastes or receipts even in fiction.

    My favorite Amouage is Hommage Attar, it revealed oud for me.

  • Thanks for the reminder of the power of scents in human history. Most interesting for me is representations of incenses and perfumes with the power to summon or even materialize the one you are calling upon. My favorite Amouage so far is Tribute Attar, and I’d loooooooove to try Homage Attar.

  • Queen Cupcake says:

    My favorite part of this lovely article: “when the Jews was slaves in Egypt, they learned perfume making from their Egyptian masters. When the Pharaoh finally let them free, you see the first reference to any scent in Exodus.” Fascinating!

    I have never tried an Amouage perfume, but would most like to try the Homage Attar!

  • “And you shall make incense of it, a frankincense like a perfumer makes; with salt, pure and holy.” I’ve been very intrigued by frankincense lately because I’ve read it is a very calming scent (and I also happen to love the smell). I’ve been wearing it to bed for that reason. So it was very interested to read old testament references to it, to see how long it has been a “spiritual” fragrance. We need to be calm and quiet in the mind in order to allow our thoughts to rise above everyday concerns, so it makes a lot of sense.

    I love the Amouage line, though I haven’t yet been able to try that many. I wear Lyric Woman, which is heart breakingly beautiful, but if I had to pick one fragrance to try it would be the one you are giving away, Homage. What I read about it in “The Guide” made it sound stunning.

  • Very interesting, I love the sensory references. They make it “real” to me. Homage would be my choice.

  • sonia garcia says:

    Interesting article, I love the references to myrrh and its value that was the same as gold, and also the reference to incense, from the Amouage line I tried and liked Lyric (but prefer the men version) and also Jubilation (women) and also I’d love to win the Homage!!!!

  • This is such a beautiful article. I don’t think I can pick just one portion that I found most interesting. Amouage Lyric would be my choice.

  • I loved the reference to Song of Solomon, Myrrh and Frankincense- “A bundle of myrrh is my beloved unto me. He shall lie all night between my breasts. “(Song of Solomon 1:13) The speaker is expressing how precious her beloved is as myrrh was often equal in weight to the value of gold!

    Ive not tried any of the Amouage line, only read about them. Lyric Woman and Jubilation 25 really peaked my interest at The Perfume Shoppe.

  • i had not ever read these passages with an eye toward the senses. very interesting.

    My favorite Amouage at the moment is Ubar, though I love Gold, too.

  • First of all, I have to say congratulations on this article. I have found it really really interesting. I love anything related to sacred history and the Bible. Especially the Song of Songs is a masterpiece of poetry in my opinion, regardless of its mystical or earthly meanings. I got married two months ago and I chose a part of the Song of Songs to be read during the celebration.

    Oh, and this is my favorite part of the article:

    Cedar is alluded to several times along with fir and woods of Lebanon. Not only are these woods aromatic but also they are strong and symbolize the desire for a lasting union for the lovers. “The beams of our house are ce dar, and our rafters of fir.” (Song of Solomon 1:17)Rose: I am the rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon, 2. 1) -The author of the Songs of Solomon is unknown and it is said it was written in 900 BC

    I would love to try Lyric Woman. Opus II sounds nice too.

    Thanks on the draw!

  • Its really interesting to see the ingredients followed through biblical references. I especially enjoyed the Cedar elaboration:

    Not only are these woods aromatic but also they are strong and symbolize the desire for a lasting union for the lovers.

    I think my favorite Amouage scent would be the Homage Attar Perfume Oil. I have seen references to Rose Taifi before, but this is the first perfume I have seen specifically reference it, and it is supported by such beautiful notes, it would be a real joy to experience. I also like that this one seems presented as unisex, along with Tribute Attar. The other scents have Men and Women versions.

    Thanks!
    Michael

  • Very interesting article, I liked the part about Myrrh and Frankeninsence the most. I haven’t tried any Amouages and would like to try Lyric Woman.

  • Wonderful article, Michelyn, and an intriguing theory! I enjoyed reading this immensely. As you know, this is the kind of research and writing on perfume that I love….Bravo!

  • I simply can’t pick a favorite part of the post, I loved it all! I’ve only tried Amouage Gold so far, and it was truly lovely. Homage Attar is one I really want to try, along with Jubilation 25 and Epic.

  • I find anything Biblical interesting (esp. if it has to do with scent). My fav. Amouage scents are Lyric and Memoir (both woman). Wonderful article.

  • Sarah Lind says:

    I hadn’t considered that the ingredients in one of the most entrancing perfumes I’ve smelled (the very Amouage Homage Attar) are all, or mostly all, ones considered sacred since early in civilization. I now can’t help but think the sanctity of the ingredients is what gives “Homage” it’s very special power. I love the idea that a perfume represents the way the “blossoming of the natural world echoes the [passion of lovers.]” It sure rings true for me!

  • What a beautiful article. I did not know that Solomon and the Queen of Sheba had children and that they were Ethiopians. Is this legend? I have never tried any of Amouage…I think I would like Lyric Woman.

  • What a beautiful article, this was interesting reading, my favorita part was the reference to… any interpretation shows fragrance as a language of love (but of what type of love)? The references to Solomon and the Queen of Sheba are redolent with fragrant elements. There are aromatic references to frankincense, myrrh, cedar, and rose of Sharo .The poetry of the Song of Solomon serves as an olfactive journey into a world where sexual love was revered, and not just for procreation.
    My favorite Amouage fragrance from the Perfume Shoppe site would be Amouage Reflection for Woman, its beautiful to wear in the summer time. Thank you for the most beautiful draw ever 🙂

  • A beautifully written article. I read and then re read it to make sure that I got every bit of information from it.
    Another example of how CaFleureBon is not just an interesting read but a true learning experience.
    I have never thought about the history of fragrance. The refrences to the Bible have made me realize that women/men have always been intruiged with fragrance.

  • you smell!!! says:

    It is an interesting article and to know that fragrance references are really old, it has been always with us, also knowing that for them myrrh and frankincense were as valuable as gold is interesting too.
    My favorite Amougae from that e-sto is Jubilation XXV and of course i’d love to win the Homage.

  • “when the Jews was slaves in Egypt, they learned perfume making from their Egyptian masters. When the Pharaoh finally let them free, you see the first reference to any scent in Exodus.” Thank you for bringing this piece of history to us, Michelyn.

    Whenever I read of the ancients using fragrant woods and resins I always smile, because I know the natural aromatics we natural perfumers are using are the same scents! The drift of fragrant smoke, or the pungent unguents that lived in their time also live in ours, and we cherish our link to the past through our sense of smell. It awakens something in our engrammes, I am convinced of it. One of my heroes is Hatshepsut, who was the first to bring myrrh trees from Punt to Egypt. And from there, the knowledge, as you describe, passed from the Egyptians to the Jews. I will think about this tonight as I handle my frankincense and myrrh treasures.

  • ElizabethN says:

    It was interesting to see how central fragrance was to ancient people – thanks. And thanks to Naz for such a generous draw. My favorite Amouage scent is Ubar for women, but Lyric is a close second!

  • My favourite part of this interesting article is the beginning with its references to the instructions in Exodus to Moses and Aaron on how they should make and burn incense. Especially intrigued by the passing reference to galbanum (always drawn to the greens). I also enjoyed the later note about the strength of cedar, a revered material here on the West Coast.
    When it comes to the Amouage fragrances, I would of course love to try this exquisite sounding Homage Attar with its Rose Taifi and Silver Frankincense. Other Amouages that I’d like to try from the Perfume Shoppe are Lyric Woman and Gold Woman. I’m delighted to see that both of these are available in body products as well.
    Thanks to Naz for this generous draw and to CaFleureBon for hosting it.

  • anotherperfumeblog says:

    Thanks for the article! I was most struck by the symbolism of cedar with everlasting love. As far as fragrances, Lyric Woman is my favorite Amouage. Thank you for offering this, Naz and CaFleureBon!

  • Beautiful and very educational as well! The Middle East is indeed the heart and wellspring of ancient perfumery. The smell of myrrh is one of my very favorites – I grow myrrh-scented roses in my garden that I especially treasure. Please enter me for the Amouage attar, that would be amazing!

    I have to go with Gold Woman as my favorite from The Perfume Shoppe, even though I love Epic, Lyric and others. It is just so classic and classy, and so rich and opulent. You just can’t go wrong with Gold.

  • Flora
    I cannot imagine a myhhr scented rose it must smell like homage
    Naz your generosity allowed me to write an article I have always wanted to
    4weeks of research to support my theory went into this because even in the bronze age fragrance was the language with which they translated their world

  • very, very interesting essay- I enjoyed seeing he original ancient hebrew writting along with the english translation
    I would be glad to see this continued especially the Qaballah interpretations of smell and perfume

    I’ve only read (a lot ) about Amouage, never tried any..
    I would be glad to be able to..
    and i’d go for Dia

    thanks a lot for this article and this draw

  • I find that an interesting theory, that the Jews may have expanded that perfume knowledge from Egypt to the wider Middle East. The ingredients are definitely there, all over that geographical area, but the advanced sense of exquisitness of Ancient Egypt at the time (for instance, their fine soap-making techniques) was a know-how that the Jews probably spread in their long quest…
    I am on and off, constantly going through my Amouage samples these days and am torn between Jubilation XXV, Epic and Memoir (which I hated the first time, but is slowly winning my heart), but the Amouages I’ve always wanted to try are Tribute and Homage… they are supposed to be excellent!

  • I found the whole article very interesting. The part about the Song of Solomon brought back memories of my 8th grade Baptist sunday school class, and our teacher, an enthusiastic newlywed, diving into this scripture. Lots of young girls blushing!

    I love Amouage Lyric but the Homage sounds like it could be a new winner. I love deep roses.

  • Thank you for a beautiful read, Michelyn. I’ve never read the Songs, but feel intrigued enough to open up the book. I’ve been interested in learning more about the Kaballah, but til now, that Madonna connection has always put me off.

    I love the artwork that you’ve included. What is the picture with the woman holding a cigarette? Love that one!

    I’ve been a fan of Amouage since the early ’80s. I still have a bit of Gold extract from 1985. Potent! I also wear Dia, but Opus III is my favorite, well today, at least. My husband smells fab in Silver and Ubar. I would love to try the Homage Attar.

  • I love the life-affirming and love-affirming aspects of the Song of Solomon, but the most interesting part of this post to me is the fascinating idea of of the scent trail of the exodus through the desert: “Who is it that comes from the wilderness like pillars of smoke perfumed with myrrh and frankincense…”

    My current favorite Amouage from the Perfume Shoppe is Epic Woman. I’m also very much looking forward to smelling the new Amouage Honour Woman. If I recall correctly, CaFleureBon was the first blog to break the news of its release.

  • As a frankincense-lover the part on Myrrh and Frankincense!
    I wear Lyric for Man and also Jubilation. The later reminds a little bit of Artisans Timbuktu.

  • To me, the most intriguing part of the article was the idea that the Jews learned the traditions of perfumery in Egypt — I’ve never thought about that! I also loved reading about Kabbalah interpretations, since I was interested in them for a while.

    My favorite Amouages are Gold, both men’s and women’s versions. The one I found on the perfumshoppe cite I’d like to try is Silver Man — I’ve never even heard about this one before. Is there a Silver Woman?

  • Maggie Mahboubian says:

    The most interesting part of the article was your theory about how the Jewish slaves learned about perfumery from their Egyptian masters and incorporated that knowledge into their rituals. This is probably the most plausible explanation for the references to the precious incense ingredients in Exodus. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if those scents could once again be used to elevate one’s spiritual experience, especially in the Jewish tradition.
    I would be interested in trying one of the Amouage Attars, either Homage or Tribute. They sound closest to the natural perfumes I love.

  • It’s always pleasure reading your reviews.They often surprice me with different points of veiw, make me see things from different angle and give a lot of interesting information.
    I liked mostly the connection presetnting the Song of Solomon between sacred perfumed smoke and the Beloved.The knowledge of the people in ancient times in perfumery and using some precious trees as symblol of desire for lasting union.
    As in the Song of Solomon the most mentioned is frankincense,the Amouge frgarances often use silver frankinces.
    I haven’t tryed their attars but I enjoy the exceptional quality of their other lines and I have very high expectations about their attars.

  • I’m fascinated by how much more laconic Hebrew is than English.

    Favorite perfume out of those in the store – Dia Woman.

  • Fascinating! And my favourite Amouage fragrance is Lyric Man, very beautiful interpretation of rose notes for men.

  • Yes, Michelyn, I totaly agree with you concerning the perfume making habilities of the Jews being acquired from the Egyptians, masters of perfumery.
    Although there is another theory that the Queen of Shebba could be from Yemen too, right on the Route of Incense.
    It is amazing how those theories coincide. And how the women from Yemen have a special knowledge of perfumery.
    Very beautiful research. I loved it.
    Ane

  • NancyKirkland says:

    This quote “take for yourself sweet spice, stacte, and onycha with galbanum; sweet spice with pure frankincense; they shall be of equal weight” makes it sound as if God was the first perfumer… that is my favorite part of Naz’s article… On The Perfume Shoppe, my favorite Amouage is TRIBUTE which is the only one that I have tried so far… but I am hoping that I will win and that HOMAGE will be my NEW FAVORITE.

    THANK YOU NAZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great article and a great draw as well as always!

  • I like your theory! In general, Western Judeo-Christian tradition has sought to repress the body in one way or another, yet you nicely detail the ways that the Song of Solomon show counter-traditions to these controls (another reason why this may have been learned from the Egyptians). It would be interested to contrast how the more poetic parts such as the Song of Solomon contrasts with the more legal aspects of the Old Testament and see if approaches to incense/scent/body differ throughout. Great post!

    My favorite: Dia Man by Amouage on the Perfume Shoppe site.

  • I wrote a rather long paper about this in college. Such a fascinating subject and a wonderful article. And, oh yes, I fit my namesake perfectly. Shalom. 🙂

  • My favorite Amouage is Opus lll. Such wonderful knowledge of perfumery comes from the Middle East. Equating myrrh with the price of gold,,,was interesting. Precious elements of perfumery are worth their weight in gold,,even today. I have a dab of Homage,,,and it is deep, long lasting,,just wonderful!

  • My favorite part of the article besides reveisiting my absolute favorite part of the bible is the jump from describing the sensual fragrances in the Song of Solomon to mentioning the Ten Sefirot of the Kabbalah–after taking us through the sensual enjoyment we are reminded that it is all about God, and that the mystical underpinnings are much deeper. I also liked the term Qabalahists 🙂
    My favorite Amouage perfume is Jubilation XXV for Men.

  • My favorite Amouge is Reflection Woman. This is a great article and such a great history lesson=)