A Trip Down Memory Lane (and Across the Sea)
In this ultimate guide to scent memories, I’m sharing some of the scents that transport me back to cherished moments in Ireland...
I’m convinced there’s magic in scents—real, Irish magic. It’s something I didn’t fully realize until we started Gluttony Candles, creating culinary-inspired candles that somehow also happen to transport me straight back to my childhood. Little did I know that smells could play hopscotch with your memories or keep you rooted to a place thousands of miles away, like Ireland.
Sure, I could bombard you with the science of it all—the olfactory bulbs and the brain connections. Trust me, I did a deep dive into it, but I near put myself to sleep reading it. So instead, I thought I’d take you on a more personal journey, through three scents that have had a profound impact on me, and in some ways, still keep me tethered to the auld sod. And who knows, maybe our candles will do the same for you!
Fresh Cut Grass: The Scent of Summer and Dad
If there’s one scent that announces summer in Ireland, it’s freshly cut grass. It’s the universal sign that the long days are here, and as a kid, that meant staying up past your bedtime. The smell of fresh grass always makes me think of Dad—he started a landscaping business from scratch and made a right success of it in our wee town of Omagh. He’d come home after a long day of cutting lawns, smelling like the outdoors and a touch of lawnmower grease, his version of cologne, I suppose.
Our Wild Arugula candle takes me right back to those summer evenings with Dad. It’s the smell of fresh beginnings, of long days spent outdoors, and a reminder that no matter how far away I am, those memories are always with me. Every time I light that candle, it’s like Dad’s sitting beside me after a hard day’s work, giving me his nod of approval.
Apple Blossom: Mum’s Signature Scent (When She Had Time for One)
Mum, bless her, wasn’t one for fancy perfumes—when you’ve got seven kids under one roof, who has the time? But when she did put on a scent, it was always Apple Blossom. It meant we were heading to church, a wedding, or some other occasion that required more than just getting by. That light, airy smell always reminds me of Mum, this strong, practical woman who kept the household running like clockwork but still managed to show us her softer side, even if she didn’t realize it.
We’ve been working on capturing that exact scent in a candle, but for now, our Apple Cinnamon candle brings me close. It reminds me of autumn days and Mum baking
apple pies—nothing beats a hot pie with vanilla ice cream or warm custard, with a
dollop of fresh cream, of course! That smell wraps you in comfort like a warm blanket
on a cold day.
Irish Peat: The Smell of Home (And Maybe a Pint)
Now, I’m not sure if America fully understands the magic of Irish peat. You see, peat isn’t just a fuel source—it’s an experience, woven into the very fabric of Ireland. It’s been keeping Irish homes warm for centuries, and there’s nothing like the scent of a turf fire to make you feel like Christmas is just around the corner. That unmistakable smell of burning peat makes me think of family gatherings, laughter, and sitting in cozy pubs with friends.
Our Hearthstone candle captures that feeling for me. Lighting it is like bringing a piece of Ireland into my home, especially on those chilly days when the nostalgia kicks in and the homesickness starts to settle. It’s a scent that calms me in ways I can’t quite explain, but it always reminds me where I come from.
Scent Memories That Bring You Home
As my brothers and sisters would say, sometimes in jest, sometimes seriously, "Remember where you came from." I can confidently say that with Gluttony Candles, I do. Scent has a funny way of connecting us to our roots, of keeping us grounded in the past while moving forward. And as proud as I am of our candle-making here in Dallas, that Irish pride—the smell of home—is always the strongest link, no matter how far I am from the motherland.
So, what scent transports you? What memory does it bring back?
コメント