When I did this tag, I didnt expect all those I tagged to actually write. I was right. They didnt. But a great many did. Then they tagged other people and as tags go, it now has a life of its own. Questions are modified, answers are sarcastic, but its essentially the same 50 tiresome questions.
I've come across a lot of people who actually sat and wrote down answers for them all.
Question 48. Favorite Smell?
The answers are 8 times out of 10, 'smell of the ground after rain', 'fresh smell of rain', 'wet earth', etc...
Since I was the first one to write this tag and I put in that answer, I dont really know if its a domino effect or just a very popular smell.
What I do know is that there is a community for those people who love this smell on that monster of friends networks, orkut.
According to wikipedia, 'Petrichor' is one of the most frequently cited favorite smells (guess I wasnt responsible for the domino effect after all, eh?) and is essential the scent given off by a yellow organic oil in the earth which is released into the air during rain. It is composed of more than 50 distinct chemical substances and is strongest in the desert after a long awaited shower.
Petrichor is also a UK site dedicated to graphics and photography.
But enough of facts, a lot of sites, and people, talk of it as a perfume and a fragrance but as far as I can find out, no one has actually tried to put it into a bottle and sell it. All the more the pity. Considering it is a chemical substance, it can be made into a wearable perfume and being everybody's favorite smell would probably be a hot item in the market.
Anyway, what I want to know is, why is it so popular? What makes it likeable? Is it the feeling of familiarity? Or nostalgia. Almost everyone I know has at least one fond memory of rain. It also gives one a feeling of good things to come. which is probably true, because in most places and particularly in a rain and water starved city like Chennai, rain is a good omen and brings with it pleasant weather - relief from the scorching sun.
In spite of its fancy name, its one of the most basic elements of life. The kiss of rain on the dry parched earth. Is there anything more basic than water and dust? Is there anyone at all who doesnt like petrichor?
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Mmm... Petrichor...
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7 comments:
i dont know about the smell, but i do love the rain and getting wet in it!!:) probably a petrichor corollary or something!!
I definitely don't!
And I'm not too fond of the rain either.
And I detect changes in the template. I guess I wasn't too wrong about that then.
I love petrichor..infact while reading your post, as soon as I saw the question "Favorite Smell?" I thought to myself which smell is my favourite..immediate answer was petrichor. I am one amoung the people who love petrochor. I dont have any reason or memories for liking it.
i love petrichor but not rain.... rain hasnt given me memories good enough to feel happy about.
rain is good., but sometimes its slightly bugging :-S
one evening., i was on the way to elliot's beach., and it started raining like mad. I had no rain gear and got drenched to the bones. I ditched the beach plan and turned back home. When I reach cathedral road., I find that the road is completely dry. And., i'm the only fool who is dripping wet :-S coz it never rained tehre.. Became a source of comedy for other people on road :-S
sawry, i'm late here. I did come, read and then leave without a word. i like the last two paras... u've written them well. nd i'm honoured, that i was the inspiration.
lotsaluv,
Yours forever sthupitly.
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