Smells from Our Past: Exploring the Connection Between Scent and Memory
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Chapter 1: The Power of Smell and Memory
When reflecting on my past, particularly my younger years, I often find my memories to be quite hazy. Visual images fade away, and spoken words become a jumble. The memories that do surface play in my mind like a slow-loading video, obscured and blurry. However, one aspect stands out clearly: the scents and the emotions tied to them.
The musky fragrance of my father's cologne, the comforting aroma of my mother's powder, the refreshing peppermint body wash in our shower, the unmistakable smell of a brand-new Barbie on Christmas morning, and the rubbery scent of the garden hose on hot Texas days all evoke feelings of safety, love, and the innocent wonder of youth.
Curious about this phenomenon, I sought to understand what scents my parents associated with their childhood experiences in the '50s and '60s. Their responses provided me with a vivid window into their pasts, allowing me to see them through a different lens.
For my father, memories are triggered by the scent of his mother's perfume as he lay in her lap listening to bedtime stories, the smell of fresh tortillas at his grandmother Carmen's home, and the essence of sweat after a day of play with friends. As a teenager in Vietnam, the sharp odor of jet fuel and the earthy scent of the jungle filled his senses—memories that conjure both comfort and tension.
Conversely, my mother's recollections include the smell of coffee brewing at her grandparents' farm, the sweet aroma of ripe peaches from the tree outside, and the leathery scent of her horse, Queenston Shadow. She also recalls the day she accidentally set her brother's clubhouse ablaze while he was at school—no one was hurt, but the lingering smell of burnt matches still haunts her during moments of fear.
It’s fascinating how scents linger in our lives and evoke powerful emotional responses. This phenomenon is rooted in science, particularly in what is known as olfactory memory.
Olfactory Memory: The Science Behind Scent and Emotion
The ability to remember scents is referred to as olfactory memory. These memories play a crucial role in forming bonds, learning about our environment, and even influencing romantic attraction. The close relationship between the olfactory sensory nerve and the amygdala (which governs our emotions) and the hippocampus (responsible for long-term memory) strengthens the impact of these memories, making them more enduring than visual or auditory recollections.
Research indicates that olfactory memories are particularly resistant to fading and interference. Interestingly, olfactory dysfunction can signal the early onset of conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia and can also impact the development of PTSD during memory formation.
Studies from McLean Hospital in Massachusetts reveal that introducing positive scents can aid PTSD treatment by providing comforting associations, such as the smell of home-cooked meals, which can foster hope in individuals dealing with trauma.
Chapter 2: A Personal Journey Through Scents
In the spring of 2019, I began writing on Medium to navigate the grief of losing a loved one. Initially, expressing my feelings in such a public space was challenging. Yet, without fully understanding why, I created a list of scents from my childhood that brought me comfort.
This list, meant solely for my own reflection, resonated deeply within me. Engaging with these nostalgic scents provided a sense of warmth and security during a time when joy felt overshadowed by struggle.
The unique fragrances from our past can paint a vivid picture of our lives, often more effectively than visuals or sounds. Sure, we have recordings and videos today, but do they hold the same intimacy as the scent of freshly baked cookies or the smell of sharpened pencils on the first day of school?
Our scent memories are akin to scratch-and-sniff stickers—though not identical to the real experience, they offer a delightful connection. Understanding the profound link between scent, memory, and emotion may lead to new ways of connecting with others.
So, as I conclude, I invite you to pause. Close your eyes and reflect on your own past. What scents arise? What emotions do they evoke? I would love to hear your stories.
In the video "Fragrance Psychology | How Room Scents Enhance Your Mood & Wellbeing," explore how different scents can positively influence your emotional state and overall well-being.
In "Dr. Noam Sobel: How Smells Influence Our Hormones, Health & Behavior," learn about the intricate ways scents affect our biological responses, health, and behaviors.