Thousands of years old and steeped in mystique and romance, perfume dates back to the ancient Egyptians. During the Old and Middle Kingdoms perfume was used only for religious ceremonies. During the New Kingdoms women used perfumes as preludes to love making.
The word perfume comes from the Latin phrase, "per" meaning "through" and "fumus" meaning smoke." The French later gave the name parfum to the pleasant smells that drift through the air from burning incense. Today there are over 20,000 fragrances on the market and perfumes are no longer for the wealthy. They how however still treasured as romantic gifts with their beautiful bottles, and as commonly given to men as women.
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