Introduction
As perfumers, we experience life through our noses, and when we hear ‘Ramadan’ or ‘Eid’ our immediate question is: what is the fragrance of eid and ramadan?
Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting and Eid marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, “festival of breaking of the fast”.
Eid, Eid al-Fitr, and Ramadan are three important terms associated with the Islamic faith. Here’s a brief explanation of each term:
- Eid: The word “Eid” comes from the Arabic language and means “festival” or “holiday.” In Islam, Eid refers to two major festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide – Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
- Eid al-Fitr: Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major Islamic festivals and is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It marks the end of the month-long fasting and spiritual reflection period. It’s a time for Muslims to gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, and celebrate with feasts and prayers. It is celebrated on the morning after the new month’s moon was seen the evening beforehand.
- Ramadan: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month in the Islamic faith. Muslims observe this month by fasting from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and engaging in other physical needs during daylight hours. Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and charity.
In summary, Eid refers to two major festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide, while Eid al-Fitr is specifically celebrated at the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting and spiritual reflection that leads up to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
What Is The Fragrance Of Eid ?
During the festival of Eid the following two fragrance notes will be most prominent:
- ‘Oudh’ and
- ‘Sheer Khurma’.
What is Oudh ?
Oudh or oud is known to be one of the most expensive woods and has been used to make high quality incense for centuries.
It is a resinous and fragrant hardwood with many names : Agarwood, Aloeswood, Eaglewood, Gaharu and Ggalocha.
Agarwood or oudh forms as a reaction to fungal or bacterial attack. The trees secrete a fragrant, protective oil into the wounded areas (roots, branches, trunk), which gradually become harder and turn dark or even black. This oil is extracted via distillation or super-critical CO2 extraction.
The scent of Oudh is woody, balsamic and leathery. It is very popular as a base note and fixative in perfumery, as it is very strong. The most popular perfumery accords in the Middle East are built around Rose and Oudh.
Most women will be wearing their best perfume during the festival of Eid and it is sure to feature Oudh strongly.
What is Sheer Khurma ?
Sheer Khurma or Sheer Khorma, means literally “milk with dates”.
It is vermicelli pudding with dried dates and the traditional Muslim festive breakfast (or desert) prepared on Eid in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and parts of Central Asia.
This special dish is served on the morning of Eid in the family after the Eid prayer as breakfast and then throughout the day to all the visiting guests.
On the night before Eid, after the Maghrib prayer, Sheer Khurma is prepared and spiced with cardamom. The dish is placed on the oven allowed to simmers for several hours, filling the kitchen and house with the fragrance of cardamom.
Anybody that has experienced Ramadan and Eid will immediately recognise this scent and associate it with a happy time of celebration.
Cardamom, Tonka & White Oud
This combination of Cardamom and Oud, encapsulates the fragrance of eid.
Here at Pairfum London we have a fragrance inspired by and ideal for this festive period: Cardamom, Tonka & White Oud
This is the olfactive profile:
- This rich, passionate fragrance opens with Lime & Mandarin, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Clove and fruity hints of Cassis. At the heart of this accord are spicy White Lily, Rose and Orange Blossom. A sensual base of Tonka, White Oud, Cedar, Santal and Amber rounds off this creation.
- Olfactive Family: Oriental
- Gender: Unisex
- Type: Eau de Parfum Intense
- Batch: Limited Edition
- Content: 100 ml / 3.4 fl. oz
- Natural & Handmade | Essential Oils | Vegan | Cruelty-free | Eco-Friendly
For us, as perfumers, this fragrance perfectly encapsulates the festive holiday of Eid and it a perfect gift for Eidi.
Eidi
Eidi or Salami is a traditional gift that is given as part of the celebration of the two major Muslim holidays – Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It’s a way of showing love, respect, and appreciation to family members, friends, others and sometimes to people in need and a way of spreading peace and happiness during the festive season.
Eidi is typically given in the form of money, but other gifts such as clothes, sweets, toys, and perfumes can also be given. What is chosen depends on the person’s relationship with the recipient. In some cultures, the younger generation receives Eidi from their elders as a sign of love and respect, while in others, it’s a way of giving to those who are less fortunate.
The word “Eidi” is derived from the Arabic word “Eid,” meaning “festival” or “holiday.” In some parts of South Asia, Eidi is also known as “Salami,” which is derived from the Arabic word “Salaam,” meaning “peace.” It’s a way of spreading peace and happiness during the festive season.
We hope your home smells wonderfully fragrant of cardamom and oudh, the fragrance of Eid.
Happy Eid !
There are different ways to express your best wishes during Eid and Ramadan. These are some common greetings:
- Eid Mubarak: This is a common greeting used to express well wishes on the occasion of Eid. It means “Blessed Eid” or “Happy Eid.”
- Ramadan Kareem: This greeting is used to wish someone a generous and bountiful Ramadan. It means “May Ramadan be generous to you.”
- Eid Saeed: This greeting means “Happy Eid” or “Happy Celebration” and is commonly used in Arabic-speaking countries to acknowledge the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
- Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum: This is an Arabic phrase used during Eid that means “May Allah accept from us and from you [our good deeds].”
- Eid-ul-fitr ki dheron shubh kamnayein: This is a greeting commonly used in India and Pakistan and means “Many happy wishes for Eid al-Fitr.”
- Eid al-Fitr Mubarak: This greeting is a variation of “Eid Mubarak” specifically used during Eid al-Fitr.
- Ramadan Mubarak: This greeting is a variation of “Eid Mubarak” specifically used during Ramadan to express good wishes for the month-long fast.
Use one of these to express your good wishes during Eid and Ramadan. Keep in mind, the most common greetings are “Eid Mubarak,” “Ramadan Kareem,” and “Eid Saeed.”
From all of us, here at Pairfum London: Eid Mubarak.
