What is the history of pomanders?

Derived from the French term pomme d’ambre, which means ‘apple of amber,’ a pomander is essentially a ball assembled from various fragrant herbs. Pomanders originated in the Middle Ages and served a variety of purposes through history, including protection against illnesses and representing a religious keepsake.

Where did pomanders originate?

Pomanders, or the practice of carrying or wearing a ball of perfume (often carried in a protective cage of the same name), was popularized in Europe around the late Middle Ages. At this time, pomanders were used for protection against infection, pestilence, and disease,(or simply the smell of sickness).

What were pomanders used for?

Pomander, small metal (sometimes china) container designed to hold a ball of aromatic spices or herbs. Worn suspended from neck or girdle or attached to the finger by a ring, it was believed to be a protection against infections and noxious smells.

Who invented Pomander?

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey
Such Pomanders were of course only for the wealthy, and it is Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (c1475-1530) – who was also Archbishop of York, and Chancellor to Henry VIII – who is credited with inventing the ‘Poor Man’s Pomander’ or Comfort Apple. This consisted of a fresh orange, studied with cloves and rolled in cinnamon.

What was the pomander used for in the Middle Ages?

They were used in the late Middle Ages through the 17th century. Also a version of the pomander with oranges, cloves, oils, and a golden ribbon may be used as a recovery charm in witchcraft. Pomanders were first made for carrying as religious keepsakes.

What was the original shape of the pomander?

Late in the 16th century, the original sphere shape was divided into several segments in order to accommodate a variety of powdered spices, and soon afterward pomanders in the form of dice, skulls, and books appeared. They were succeeded in the 18th century and 19th century by the vinaigrette.

What was the purpose of the ambergris pomander?

Strongly scented pomanders of ambergris were used in Europe during the time of the Black Death to (unsuccessfully) cover up and purify “bad air.” Today, pomander balls are usually a lot simpler; most consist of an orange or other citrus fruit studded with cloves and dusted with other spices.

How did the pomander ball get its name?

The name Pomander comes from the French term “ pomme d’ambre” — which roughly translates to “ apple of perfume, ” or as I call it: A perfume ball. Pomanders originally took many forms, not just the clove and orange variety, which is the most common today.