#ThrowBackThursday: Certain aromas and their associations to our childhood
A simple smell of freshly baked bread or the first rains on a parched ground, can insight childhood flashbacks.
Have you ever wondered why you are attuned to certain aromas? Did you know, our sense of smell can be linked to past memories? A simple smell of freshly baked bread or the first rains on a parched ground, can cause flashbacks to one’s childhood. Whether good or bad, smell has the power to remind us.
Here are six situations where smells probably ignited your childhood:
1. Baked bread
Freshly baked bread conjures up memories of waking early on a Sunday morning and seeing family in the kitchen. Then you got a slice of warm bread, perhaps accompanied by a steaming cup of tea and a lazy morning of cartoons.
2. Old Spice and tobacco
A strange combination which brings back memories of the good old days, especially if your dad or grandpa smoked. Whether it was working in the garden or simply washing the car, they were your hero. Many people associate this smell with security, protection and genuine love they received from older folks.
3. The first rain and mud
Petrichor is the scientific name for the smell of the earth after rain. The aroma has been proven to reduce stress and improve your mood by up to 60 per cent.
4. Fruit trees
Growing up, fruits were not only found at grocery stores but also in the backyard or on the neighbours trees. Once the flowers bloomed, you knew fruits were on their way. The smell of fresh fruit can provoke memories of playing with friends and eating fruit fresh from the tree.
5. Offal
Whether good or bad, most can recall when family would cook offal. While the smell was very pungent, the meals were exquisite.
6. Crayons and Plasticine
In primary school, the oily smell of crayons and the rubbery smell of Plasticine meant playtime. Some ate crayons while others stuck Plasticine in their hair. Regardless, the smell is still remeniscent of fun times with friends.
What other interesting smells do you associate with your childhood – let us know in the comments section.
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