Bodies, Odors and Perfumes in Arab-Muslim Societies
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20083456 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Françoise Aubaile-Sallenave (corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Pages | 391-399 |
| Publication date | 2024-09-24 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | CHAPTER |
| Venue | The Smell Culture Reader (SOURCE_BOOK) |
| Publisher | Routledge (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.4324/9781003579540-41 |
| OpenAlex | W4402766565 |
| ISBN | 9781003579540 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
In Arab-Muslim societies, odors and perfumes occupy a specific place. The importance of fragrance is attested by the pleasure and the attention individuals bring to scenting themselves, their clothes, household furniture and even certain objects. The odors that are considered to be "good" convey well-being—they are a way of fostering contentment with oneself and with others. Because of the great interest attached to odor, there are noteworthy circumstances during which the body must emit "good odors" and thus provide the necessary quietude for the accomplishment of certain actions, such as when conducting religious practices or at the crucial moments in a person's life, for instance birth, circumcision, marriage and death; thus, an entire series of products and practices are brought into play to make the body smell better. The primary practice consists of the use of plain (or pure) water; after that there are complex practices that utilize fumigations, soaking oils, distilled waters, scented pastries, beverages, spices and aromatic leaves, in a range of forms. The body integrates these odors into itself, which then confer to the person's personality new powers and protections, but also the sense of well-being and self-confidence, thus playing an important role in relationships
Aesthetics · Ancient history · Art · Political science · Global Maritime and Colonial Histories · History · Islamic Studies and History
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2025 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |