Violets, with their dainty petals and captivating fragrance, have long held a special place in the hearts of many. These flowers, known for their delicate, sweet scent and vibrant colors, have been cherished across cultures for their beauty and symbolism.
In this installment of our Scent Study series, we explore all things violet!
Symbolism
Violets have been symbols of modesty, humility, and fidelity since ancient times. Their unassuming nature and soft fragrance have made them enduring emblems of love and remembrance, especially in the language of Victorian floriography.
Historical Symbolism
In ancient Greece, violets were associated with love and fertility, often linked to the goddess Aphrodite. In Roman times, they were used in funeral rites to symbolize the peaceful rest of the deceased. During the Victorian era, violets were exchanged as tokens of affection and devotion, their delicate blooms representing the understated yet profound feelings of the giver.
Colors and Meanings
- Purple Violets: Symbolize loyalty, devotion, and deep love.
- Blue Violets: Represent faithfulness and watchfulness, often given to express enduring trust.
- White Violets: Signify innocence and purity, making them a popular choice for young lovers.
- Yellow Violets: Convey happiness, new beginnings, and sometimes a sense of caution.
Violets in Dreams
Violets appearing in dreams often carry significant meanings related to love, hope, and sentimentality.
Blooming Violets
Dreaming of blooming violets may signify renewed hope or the beginning of a new romantic relationship. These flowers represent the blossoming of emotions and the potential for growth in personal connections.
Withering Violets
Withered or dying violets in dreams can symbolize the loss of innocence or fading feelings. They might indicate that something cherished is slipping away or that a period of emotional growth has come to an end.
Violet Bouquets
Receiving or giving a bouquet of violets in a dream often symbolizes expressions of love, remembrance, or devotion. It could also represent a desire to reconnect with someone or to honor a past relationship.
Role in Perfumery
Violets have a cherished place in the world of perfumery, known for their unique scent that is both sweet and slightly powdery.
Scent Characteristics
The fragrance of violets is often described as sweet, powdery, and slightly woody. It has a soft, comforting quality that lingers gently on the skin, making it a favorite in romantic and nostalgic perfumes.
Violet in Fragrances
Both violet leaves and flowers are used in perfumery. The leaves, known as “violet leaf absolute,” impart a green, almost aquatic scent that adds freshness to compositions, while the flowers contribute the signature sweet and powdery notes. Violets blend well with other florals, as well as citrus and woody notes.
Violet-scented perfumes are often used to call upon feelings of tenderness, romance, and nostalgia. Their delicate fragrance can transport the wearer to a dreamlike state, making them ideal for those seeking a moment of quiet reflection or a reminder of fond memories.
Emotional Impact
The gentle fragrance of violets offers more than just pleasure! The aroma of violets are:
Calming and Soothing
Violet fragrances are known for their calming and soothing properties. The soft, powdery scent of violets can create a sense of tranquility, making them perfect for relaxation.
Nostalgic and Sentimental
Violet’s scent has a unique ability to evoke memories of the past, often bringing with it a wave of sentimentality. Whether it reminds one of a loved one or a cherished moment, violet fragrances can transport the wearer back to simpler, more innocent times.
Benefits
Beyond their aromatic appeal, violets offer a variety of benefits in both wellness and culinary contexts.
Aromatherapy
Violet extracts are widely used in aromatherapy for their calming effects. The soothing scent of violets helps promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being.
Skincare
Violet extracts have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making them a valuable ingredient in skincare products. They can help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.
Culinary Uses
Violets have a long history of use in culinary traditions. Violet flowers are often used to make violet syrup, which adds a delicate floral flavor to desserts and beverages. Candied violets are a popular garnish for cakes and pastries, and violet-flavored sweets are a nostalgic treat.
Violet in Our Fragrances
At Lèlior, we celebrate the delicate beauty of violets by incorporating their scent into several of our fragrances. Each of these perfumes highlights violet in its own special way.
Ultra Violette
A bold fragrance, Ultra Violette begins with a blend of pepper, orange pepper, and pimento, giving it a spicy opening. The head notes are softened by the sweetness of apricot, coriander, fresh almonds, and the Brazilian rosewood. At its heart, violet takes center stage, surrounded by the exotic floral notes of Japanese osmanthus, rose, and jasmine. The base notes of vanilla, amber, patchouli, and cedar provide a deep, lasting finish.
Tulum
For a fresher, more natural take on violet, try Tulum. This fragrance oil mirrors the lush, tropical environment it was named after! It opens with the crisp scent of green leaves and the exotic allure of jasmine. The heart reveals the soft, powdery elegance of violet paired with the delicate, floral notes of iris. Finally, the base notes of Australian sandalwood and cardamom ground the fragrance with a woody finish that lingers in the air.
Wood Mood
In Wood Mood, violet is blended with rich, earthy notes to create a fragrance that is as grounding as it is luxurious. The head notes of violet and vanilla provide a sweet and inviting introduction, leading into a heart of vetiver, ambrette, and lavender. The base notes of orris, amber, and baie rose round out the fragrance with a warm, spicy finish, making Wood Mood a perfect choice for those who appreciate a scent that is both pensive and comforting.
The Lasting Charm of Violets
Whether used for their calming properties, symbolic meanings, or soft, sweet scent, it's clear to see why violets remain a beloved flower in both gardens and fragrances.
