Beauty Rituals of Ancient Egypt

Herodotus once described Egypt as "a gift of the Nile," and much has been written about the history of Ancient Egypt. Along with building astonishing pyramids and starting civilization as we know it, the Egyptians were also very much enamored with beauty and pleasure.

Scents

For the average Egyptian, enjoyment was measured above all by the nose. In fact, scents were considered so important that a nose hieroglyph was used in every word that meant "pleasure" or "to be pleased."

Incense and myrrh were burned constantly in temples to glorify the gods. "Heaven and earth shall overflow with incense," proclaimed the god Amun to Queen Hatshepsut. There was even a god dedicated to perfume: Nefertem, the "Lord of the Nose." Nefertem was usually depicted with a lotus blossom upon his head, and in Egyptian banquets this flower decorated the tables and heads of all guests.

The Greeks regarded the Egyptians as experts in perfume, both for their subtle and refined mixtures as well as their longevity. The Greek philosopher Theophrastus proclaimed that the perfumes which lasted the longest were Egyptian ones. A perfume-maker was said to have reported that he had Egyptian perfume in his shop for eight years and that it was better by far even than fresh perfume.

Egyptian fragrances were fixed in unguents and oils, and packed in artistically-shaped vessels. These refined mixtures were much sought after abroad.

Hygiene

Because of the harsh and dry desert climate, unguents and fats were very important for looking after the hair and skin of the Egyptians. Using them was a basic and daily necessity. In fact, they were even part of the wages in some of the workers' villages.

The very poor used castor oil, while the wealthy used fragrant oils which could take up to six months to manufacture. There were many famous unguents known by names like "Syrian balsam," Best Libyan Cedar Oil," and even one called "Festive Fragrance."

Fresh incense was used under the arms and thought to be a very effective deodorant.