What is olfactory culture?

In our manifesto we state that we are promoters of olfactory culture , however we know that this is an unfamiliar term for most people. What is olfactory culture after all?

First, it is worth mentioning that we live in a very visual and auditory way and we often forget about our sense of smell. This ability to smell the world around us is part of the human experience and has a great influence on our lives.

Olfactory culture is a term that describes the importance of odors in human life and in different societies around the world. Just as we have art, gastronomy and entertainment, we also have a variety of cultural experiences linked to smells. Smells are part of our cultural identity , which depends on the societies we live in and our individual experiences.

Just as there is an infinite variety of colors and sounds, there is also an enormous diversity of smells. From the fresh scents of nature to the rich notes of the most elaborate perfumes, smells can be simple or intricate, pleasant or repulsive, familiar or exotic. Exploring this diversity can be an exciting and enriching journey, connecting us more deeply with the world around us.

By this we mean that our olfactory culture deserves to be celebrated and explored. By recognizing its importance we can develop greater sensory awareness and appreciate more deeply the universe in which we live.

Tip to celebrate your olfactory culture: The next time you encounter a familiar scent or, on the contrary, an intriguing scent: 1) Stop for a moment to appreciate it and reflect on its meaning in your life, what memories it brings back, where it transports you, what person reminds you of, what you have eaten with this scent. 2) Try to describe what you are smelling without identifying the origin of the smell. For example: Describing the smell of a strawberry without saying that it smells like strawberries , you will see that it is challenging.