Written by Zoe Lai

Edited by CHIQIO

Keywords: Hong Kong, nostalgia, city

As I strolled through the cobble-stoned streets while studying abroad in Europe, the aroma of freshly made bubble egg waffles (雞蛋仔) from a small Hong Kong eatery unexpectedly drifted through the air. In that instant, I was transported back to the bustling streets of my home town, where I often indulged in this beloved street food with friends. It’s remarkable how a simple scent can unlock a treasure trove of memories and emotions, bridging the distance between where I am and the home I dearly miss. This nostalgic fragrance instantly connected me to my roots, evoking a sense of warmth and belonging amidst the unfamiliar surroundings.

Hong Kong’s signature egg waffles. Photo by Alpha via Flickr.

The human sense of smell is unique among our senses. It is closely linked to our brain’s limbic system, which governs emotion and memory. This direct connection explains why certain scents can evoke vivid memories and emotions more powerfully than sights or sounds. As we delve into the art of olfactory imagery, we explore how scents can be crafted in our minds, enriching our experiences and deepening our emotional connections.

The Science of Scent and Memory

One sunny afternoon in Provence, I found myself wandering through fields of lavender, their purple blooms swaying gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the soothing scent of lavender, mingled with the earthy aroma of sun-warmed soil. This fragrant bouquet enveloped me, evoking a sense of calm and tranquillity as I marvelled at the beauty of nature. As I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, I was reminded of summers spent exploring fields with my siblings in the countryside. This ability to be transported by scent is what neuroscientists call the Proustian memory effect.

Unlike other sensory inputs, scents bypass the thalamus, the brain’s sensory relay station, and travel straight to the olfactory bulb, part of the limbic system. This pathway allows smells to trigger memories and emotions almost instantaneously, making them powerful tools for storytelling and art.

Creating Olfactory Imagery in Literature and Art

Writers have long harnessed the power of olfactory imagery to create rich, immersive worlds in literature. I remember reading a passage in a novel where the protagonist walked through an ancient forest, the air thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. I could almost feel the cool breeze and hear the rustling leaves as I read. The author’s descriptive language painted an olfactory picture, bringing the scene to life.

Similarly, visual artists use colour and texture to evoke scents. I once visited an art gallery in Florence where a painting depicted a bustling Italian market. The vibrant colours of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and sun-drenched lemons filled the room with their fragrance. By engaging multiple senses, artists create a more profound connection with their audience, inviting them to experience the scene entirely.

Crafting Aromas in Your Mind’s Eye

Developing the ability to imagine scents can enrich our experiences and enhance our creativity. Here are some ways to cultivate olfactory imagery:

Being aware of your surroundings, especially the smells, could help you visualise olfactory imagery. Photo by Jared Rice via Unsplash.

Mindful Smelling: While visiting a local farmers’ market, take a moment to savour the scents around you. Inhale and identify the aroma of ripe berries, fresh herbs, and baked goods. Notice the emotions and memories they evoke, and reflect on how they make you feel.
Descriptive Language: When describing scents, be specific and vivid. Instead of saying “floral,” describe the scent as “the delicate fragrance of jasmine petals drenched in morning dew.” Engage the reader’s imagination by painting a picture with words.
Engaging Other Senses: Consider how sounds, colours, and textures can complement a scent. Imagine the crackling of a fireplace, the deep orange glow of embers, and the smoky smell of burning wood. Together, these elements create a multi-sensory experience.
Reading and Writing: Explore literature that uses olfactory imagery effectively and practice crafting descriptions in your own words. Write about a place you’ve visited and the scents that defined it, or create a fictional scene using vivid scent descriptions to set the mood.
Scent Journaling: Keep a journal of scents that resonate with you. Record your observations and reflections, noting how different aromas influence your emotions and memories. Over time, you’ll better understand how scents shape your experiences.

In a world often overwhelmed by visual and auditory stimuli, taking the time to appreciate the subtle art of scent can bring us closer to our emotions, memories, and ourselves.

References

Verywell Mind. (n.d.). Why do we associate memories so strongly with specific smells? Retrieved from Verywell Mind .
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). The Human Sense of Smell. Retrieved from NCBI .