Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’m sharing my thoughts and reflections on a lexicon (vocabulary specific to a certain subject) of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words. Ludic is defined as “playful, in an aimless way” and that’s my plan for approaching this challenge – keeping my feet on the joy trail and meandering wherever the daily word takes me.
U is for…
unguentary – of, like or pertaining to unguents; one who makes or sells unguents
Earlier in this challenge I posted about an extensive fragrance project I’m working on, and today’s word is an example of something I’m doing lots of research on, as well as creating.
I love the Chinese proverb
“A bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers.”
While I often think about that when I’m working with flowers or creating perfumes, it really helps me attune to the spirit of generosity and gratitude. I feel so blessed working with so many fragrant materials.
Unguents are generally defined as soft greasy or viscous substances used as an ointment or for lubrication. They are often soothing preparations used for medicinal purposes, delivered as a semi-solid paste spread on the skin with the medication or other active ingredients suspended and blended within.
But solid perfumes (also known as cream perfumes) are also considered unguents. Rather than the perfume ingredients being contained in alcohol or water, unguents use a base of wax, often mixed with an oil, to which the fragrant ingredients are added.
As a natural perfumer and bee lover, I love creating cream perfumes using beeswax. So perhaps you can imagine my excitement and anticipated delight in creating the unguent cones of ancient Egypt.
Throughout their ages and kingdoms, ancient Egypt was always a highly scented culture. In addition to their incense, they were well-known for their fragrant unguents, used for medicinal, sensual, but primarily sacred purposes. There are many examples of the beautiful unguent vessels of varying materials they used for storage.
Ancient Egyptian art is filled with images of men and women wearing perfume unguent cones on their heads. They are pictured being worn in banqueting and festival scenes, as well as sacred and funerary occasions.
I look at these ancient depictions and I feel such a deep sense of connection with the sacred. I can’t help but think of Rumi’s beautiful words:
“By speech, by silence, and by fragrance, catch the scent of the Beloved everywhere.“
So what do you think? Would it delight you to wear a perfumed cone on your head? Have a particular fragrance you especially love? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Love the Chinese proverb–will be sharing with friends who always bring flowers/cuttings/ seeds whenever they visit me.
I’m not sure about wearing a cone, although its sounds fascinating in theory:)
When the new restrictions on carrying liquid came into effect for air travel, I bought a little box of solid perfume from an organic store. Loved it. And it lasted forever.
Ah, you’ve found the perfect use for the proverb! Solid perfumes are great for traveling. I tend to keep them tucked in all my bags and all around. I’m always ready for a dose of scent.
A very illuminating post — particularly love those unguent cones on the Egyptian women’s heads. I have come to enjoy lavender scented salves made with shea butter — which imparts its own scent to the mix. Somehow unguents seem more inviting than alcohol based scents. And many thanks for the blogiversary greeting! https://mollyscanopy.com/2021/04/space-flights-sweater-sets-and-slam-books-atozchallenge/#comments
That’s interesting. I don’t think I’d want to wear a perfumed cone on my head though. My favorite scent is vanilla. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Vanilla is lovely. I’m going to do some baking this weekend and I’ll get to enjoy it that way. Hope you have a happy one as well.
Hari OM
due to asthma, I have had to be very careful of perfumes – even natural ones. Lavender does me in… as can rosemary or things like patchouli. I can wear rose, peony, citrusy tones. Interestingly, my brother gifted me some body cream at Christmas that I have discovered I tolerate well and it is simply delicious … pink grapefruit and coconut! It makes a lovely natural deodorant and I am going to be asking him for more.
YAM xx
It’s lovely to find something you truly enjoy and that doesn’t irritate. Hope there’s more in your future!
The only unguents I’ve encountered are the medicinal kind and maybe way back when Avon had creamed perfume (iirc.) A scented body butter would be nice to have for a change of pace. Sounds like a fun adventure you’re on with scents.
My “U” song for the day:
http://tao-talk.com/2021/04/24/a2z-2021-jethro-tull-songs-day-21-up-to-me-from-aqualung/
Scented body butters can be quite lovely. And you’re absolutely right – I’m endlessly delighted with all my scent adventures.
Well, I don’t know about wearing a cone on my head but maybe if it was in a necklace or bracelet perhaps.
I don’t know Janet – are you sure you want to miss out on being a cone head? 🙂
I think it was perfumed fat, which melted during the evening and kept you cool.
No, that once-believed theory has been disproven. The cones were made with beeswax with inclusions of resins and oils and flowers.
No cone for me. I love cream perfume and fresh citrus or fresh air smells.
Being out in a citrus orchard would be the best of both worlds.
I got my first solid perfume this Christmas in my stocking. I am enjoying it although don’t think I would want to wear it as a cone on my head.
Great stocking stuffer!
I think I’ll have a go of making a perfumed unguent , I like making medicinal salves tinctures soap but have never ventured into perfumery. thanks for the inspiration.
lavender to start I think.
not sure about the cone on the head .
Fabulous!
I sometimes wonder what our days would be like if we kept the unguent cone custom alive… 😀
The Multicolored Diary
You know I’d love to see it. 🙂
I’m one of those people who likes to have a whole wardrobe of fragrances ready for any occasion, but my favourites are fresh and fruity. I used to love solid perfume as a teen and I remember having a vanilla one. I don’t see them very often these days (at least not on the high street). There’s something very luxurious about them. I didn’t realise the ancient Egyptians wore unguent cones on their heads. I’m not sure it would catch on nowadays.
Many moods, many scents – I think that’s a fine attitude. Based on the comments so far, the prevailing opinion is not in favor of wearing unguent cones. I’m thinking everyone will be changing their minds once I start wearing them and set the new trend. 🙂
Hi dear Deborah,
It has been quite a while, again, since I last visited your virtual home and what a good day to do so. I’ve been always intrigued by the Egyptian culture. Did visit the country once and got to see beautiful art.
My favorite fragrance is Magnolia. When in full bloom it can be a quite overwhelming sent, however, just a little subtle drop of it’s perfume… it always has a calming affect on me.
Hope all is well with you and your beloved ones.
Warmest regards,
Patty
How perfect you found your way here today Patty! And how wonderful you’ve been to visit Egypt.
Magnolia is known to be calming. I don’t see a lot of magnolias where I’m at – our weather is prone to late Spring freezes which magnolias blooms can’t tolerate. But it’s a joy when I do get to see them.
Thanks for your kind wishes, and I wish the same for you and yours.
I think wearing a cone on one’s head would not be very popular today, but I love the idea of unguent cones – or maybe balls? – that could be worn in a pendant. I visualize a sphere of silver filigree with a clasp like a locket. Someone could open it, place an unguent ball inside, close the clasp, and let the aroma waft around them all day.
Someone should make that. Or maybe someone has.
You left a prompt on my flash fiction AtoZ post several days ago, and I finally used it for my V post. Hope you can come see how it turned out!
I have seen what you’re envisioning, although with a flat solid back (so your clothes get stained). The front half sphere has an open weave so the scent can escape.
How fun you’ve used my prompt – I’ll certainly be by to check out your post!
I remember studying about those in Egyptology. My grandmother always used cream perfume and I love it as well but thought it was a thing of the past. I never thought to make my own. I do love beeswax!
I think cream perfumes have had a serious resurgence as more people are trying to return to less polluting and toxic chemical products. I’m always curious about how and why things return back to our awareness and practices. It would so make me laugh in delight if unguent cones became fashionable in the 21st century.
As I understood it, the wax cones would melt and run down the person’s hair and face, which always struck me as being more disgusting than luxuriant! I actually don’t much like perfume, since it’s always too strong for me. On the other hand, the waft of the flowering trees sneaking in the window on a breeze, or the scent of the hyacinths just for a moment as I walk past… definitely among the joys of life.
Black and White: U for Ultima Thule
The melting point of beeswax is around 150 degrees F, so even in Egypt, I doubt they were melting much. The sacred aspect of offering fragrance and conceptualizing the Divine as scent is something not well understood in our modern cultures, and the idea of the cones often just seems peculiar. I think I may be on a not-so-secret mission to shift opinions about that. 🙂
But I am with you on the joys of the unexpected whiff of fragrance in passing.
It's one of life's delicious treats.