It’s said that smell is the strongest sense and is completely tied to our cognitive function and memories.
My parents’ house always had a distinctive aroma to it. It’s a distinctive mixture of my mom’s perfume, cigarette smoke (look, it’s no secret how much they smoked…) and my dad’s favourite soap. Even now, whenever I open our old family chest or uncover a box of photographs, I hold their contents close to my chest and am transported back to being a seven year old girl, spinning around the lounge and dancing to something on the record player. I did that often. More often than you can think.
The last time I opened our family kist though, it got me thinking – what aromas will live with my daughter for her life, and – one day when she’s all grown up – will make her think of me?
When she was a baby, I think I overdosed on Lavender-infused products. I bought every baby product imaginable that was laced with Lavender and I confess, even used Lavender air freshener to hide all those weird nappy smells that babies are so famous for.
Now that she’s older, I’m still a big fan of a fresh-smelling home, and I’m not afraid of using scented candles in the bathroom or, in fact, everywhere. There’s nothing better, for me, than to lie back in hot bath, ensconced in a candlelit bathroom with bubbles and a good book.
Just as my childhood home left an unforgettable aroma tied to the things my parents left behind, I hope my kid will have the same experience with Lavender and – knowing my love for this spice – cinnamon.
What smell evokes a memory for you?