Pomanders have various definitions, including small cases containing perfumes or aromatic elements, decorative containers for fresh or perfumed herbs, dried citrus fruits studded with spices, and floral arrangements. They were used in the past as protection against disease and to freshen up public places. Today, they can be made at home and used as centerpieces or Christmas ornaments.
Pomander has several definitions, some much more used today than a long time ago. In the past, there were two types of pomandre, namely the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The first was a small case that contained aromatic elements or even perfumed ingredients. It could be an elaborate silver ball or “apple,” hence the name referencing the French term pomme with a clear crystal vase that would hold liquid perfumes. Many people thought that carrying such perfumes would protect against disease, and also given the infrequent bathing and smells of public places, pomanders might have had a very welcome and practical use.
In addition to carrying liquid perfumes, some types of pomanders were small containers into which fresh or perfumed herbs could be added. Women and men, mostly of the upper classes, carried decorative cases that held liquids or collections of perfumed items, and the metals used were typically silver or gold. These decorative and scented balls can be attached to necklaces or waists, depending on your style and preference.
Another item called a pomander are various fruits, especially citrus fruits which are dried whole and studded with spices such as cloves. These can help freshen the air and are very easy to make with a few whole cloves and a few oranges, lemons or tangerines. When the fruit is dried, the pomander can be hung on a ribbon and provides a natural and healthy way to sweeten up your home or room. Some people make this type of pomander as a Christmas ornament as well.
For modern folks, the pomander can conjure up a whole different image. Pomanders can refer to balls of floral arrangements, which can be hung from the ceiling, carried as bouquets with a ribbon, or be a round ball floral centerpiece when attached to the appropriate base. All three are often used at weddings. Centerpieces of this type can be incredibly elaborate containing hundreds of flowers.
With artificial or dried flowers you can make these decorative pomanders at home as well, as more than a temporary centerpiece. They can be placed lovely in clear glass bowls, and again you can make little ones to hang on Christmas trees or just to scent all year round. If you use aromatic dried flowers, they can refresh a room just as effectively as clove pomander. Alternatively, you can keep an aromatic pomander in a drawer, especially one dedicated to delicates, to keep clothes fresh.
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