When thinking about the origins of perfume, we tend to think of France. But in fact, it was Cyprus which helped create many great scents, setting the trend for perfume which is part of life today. When you book your Cyprus hotels you can find out more about the area's history and its ties to the perfume industry. The oldest perfume laboratory is in Pyrgos, where scientists even found residue of various scents.
Back in 2000 BC, perfume was being created in Cyprus, where priests would use the lotions in their religious rituals to appease the gods. These perfumes were a combination of local olive oils and essential oils made from flowers and herbs. By the time the 12th century rolled round, people started to take notice, and these perfumes were exported to France. The Cyprus perfumes, or "Eau de Chypre" were a huge hit with the French, and even nobles would seek out the various scents to wear. There were plenty of perfumes being made across Europe at the time, but the spicy floral scents of the Cypriot perfumes proved very popular.
Sadly, in the Middle Ages the perfume of Cyprus declined in popularity, as other more exotic scents, from Egypt and Morocco became the favourites. Cypriot perfume would have disappeared entirely had Francois Coty not invtervened, making a new Cyprus perfume in 1917 called Chypre de Coty.
For this blend, Coty combined various items that would have commonly been used in Roman times, like oak moss, patchouli, amber and musk. Even he was amazed at the response to his perfume, which was so popular that it spawned a whole family of similar scents. It was almost certainly used by the 'bright young things' that started to holiday abroad in Ayia Napa hotels.
Some of the perfumes from the Chypre line of fragrance included Chanel Cuir de Russie, which were inspired by the Russian aristocrates who were staying in the hotels in Cyprus, having fled the Russian Revolution. There was even a perfume made especially for Coco Chanel, known as "Chanel 19" in commemoration of her birth date. It would be created a year before Chanel died, and was also the last of the Chypre scents ever made. It's very hard to find, and has become a valuable collector's piece.
Back in 2000 BC, perfume was being created in Cyprus, where priests would use the lotions in their religious rituals to appease the gods. These perfumes were a combination of local olive oils and essential oils made from flowers and herbs. By the time the 12th century rolled round, people started to take notice, and these perfumes were exported to France. The Cyprus perfumes, or "Eau de Chypre" were a huge hit with the French, and even nobles would seek out the various scents to wear. There were plenty of perfumes being made across Europe at the time, but the spicy floral scents of the Cypriot perfumes proved very popular.
Sadly, in the Middle Ages the perfume of Cyprus declined in popularity, as other more exotic scents, from Egypt and Morocco became the favourites. Cypriot perfume would have disappeared entirely had Francois Coty not invtervened, making a new Cyprus perfume in 1917 called Chypre de Coty.
For this blend, Coty combined various items that would have commonly been used in Roman times, like oak moss, patchouli, amber and musk. Even he was amazed at the response to his perfume, which was so popular that it spawned a whole family of similar scents. It was almost certainly used by the 'bright young things' that started to holiday abroad in Ayia Napa hotels.
Some of the perfumes from the Chypre line of fragrance included Chanel Cuir de Russie, which were inspired by the Russian aristocrates who were staying in the hotels in Cyprus, having fled the Russian Revolution. There was even a perfume made especially for Coco Chanel, known as "Chanel 19" in commemoration of her birth date. It would be created a year before Chanel died, and was also the last of the Chypre scents ever made. It's very hard to find, and has become a valuable collector's piece.
About the Author:
Claire Collins writes about her favourite hotels and destinations around the globe.
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