Lunar New Year 2023 Collage by Rachel Ng
“Culturally, in Asia, traditionally the Year of the Rabbit is associated with (and represents) peaceful and patient energy (chi). The water element especially stresses wisdom and being able to canter and trust one’s inner instincts. Lunar New Year 2023 will be a good year for everyone to focus on self-healing, building peaceful relationships, diplomacy, and building professional bridges. ––Rachel Ng, Albright Scholar-East Asian Languages and Cultures, Educator and ÇaFleureBon reader
Fragrances for the Lunar New Year 2023 by Karl
The Lunar New Year 2023 (aka Chinese New Year), starts from January 22nd, 2023, ending on February 9th, 2024. Like most New Years celebrated worldwide, it symbolizes a fresh start. Especially important is the water element, which highlights wisdom, attuning one’s sense to grounding and trusting inner instincts. Focus on managing finances, recognizing the need for self-healing (both emotionally and physically) diplomacy and enhancing personal and business relationships are to the fore. For the purpose of today’s article on the Lunar New Year 2023, I chose three fragrances that convey a few specific elements and ingredients associated with the Year of the Water Rabbit in olfactory terms: One to invigorate, one to provide balance and one to provide slow abundant energy.
Matière Premiere Neroli Oranger photo courtesy of the brand
Matière Premiere Neroli Oranger is a citrus lover’s delight and is in keeping with the perfume ingredients that are meaningful in the Lunar Year 2023. Master Perfumer and founder Aurelien Guichard has taken the central theme of Neroli, Tunisian Orange Blossom and wrapped it in soft florals of Ylang-Ylang and musks (synthetic). To me this perfume is perfect for starting the day with a bright disposition. When you wish to freshen up both body and mind; enjoy a citrus smoothie, work in at the gym or outside rather than ‘work out’. The focus here being gathering and enhancing your energy via diaphragmatic breathing and flowing exercises rather than pushing out the energy in demanding ways. The orange blossom does highlight the flower’s slightly indolic sweet nature, whilst there is also a sharp rind like quality which is off set by creamy musks. It is lively with wonderful projection and longevity. Notes: Absolute Orange Blossom, Neroli Oil from Lebanon, Bergamot Oil from Italy, Ylang-Ylang Oil Comoros, Floral Musks.
Parfums L’Ame Du Bois (Scents of Wood) Cedre Mineral courtesy of the brand
Parfums L’Ame Du Bois Scents of Wood Cedre Mineral by Celine Barel is a fragrant exploration of woods, aquatic nuances and resins which transforms from cool and bracing towards hazy and velvety to rich and luscious. Created under the direction of founder Fabrice Croise, L’Ame Du Bois Cedre Mineral takes me to mountain ranges with the crisp air and crunching snow under foot, whilst the calming resins in the mid create a soothing wrapped up cosiness of taking in the ambience and sipping a creamy, hot latte from lashings of amber and tonka. It is s slow perfume that meanders in and out of the senses giving an enveloping hug just like a cashmere sweater. Whilst the brand concept is also based around ShinrinYoku, the brand’s Japanese name; I feel that this perfume is perfect for the idea of peaceful and patient energy which the water rabbit represents. L’Ame Du Bois Cedre Mineral has plenty of aspects to keep one interested, from the use of cypress oil, juniper berries and caraway oil through to the decadent textures of olibanum oil, guaiac wood oil, sandalwood oil and ambertonic. The patented operanide adds the crispness, which works surprisingly well with the comforting tonka bean absolute. Lately musky aquatic perfumes have been my go-to and Cedre Mineral adds a new twist to my collection. Notes: Cypress Oil, Juniper Berries, Bergamot, Caraway Oil, Lavandin Heart LMR, Olibanum Oil, Guaiacwood Oil, Operanide, Sandalwood Oil, Ambertonic, Tonka Bean Absolute.
Ramon Monegal Ocean Oud by Karl
Ramon Monegal Ocean Oud created as a fable of coexistence between oud wood and sea water. The clashing of the strength of the elements gives me an experience which is unique and most unexpected. I raved about this composition by nose Ramon Monegal last year and link it to my own ‘travelers’ soul’. It has stayed with me through rough waters and calm seas which I have stayed through the course. The calone / agarwood dichotomy may be a challenge. However, the transition of notes from resins to florals in the heart add subtlety and depth. With its expansive quality Ocean Oud provides one with an olfactive adventure to stir the heart and leave an everlasting impression. It is a real kick-start to harness one’s energy and take on the challenges of life. It is an ode to the strength and beauty of our world and a character-building fragrance and one to remind us to keep strong throughout life’s ups and down and have hope which is an important symbol to Lunar New Year 2023. Notes: Calone, Cistus Ladanifer, Amberwood, Oud Assam, Oud Padong Laos, Rose, Jasmine, Ambergris, Oakmoss, Musk.
Many thanks to Rachel Ng who gave precious time to discuss the cultural importance of the Lunar New Year 2023 and the traditions linked with the year of the Water Rabbit.
Editor’s Note: Those born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 are also considered Rabbits in the Chinese zodiac. Only those born in 1963, 2011 and 2023 are Water Rabbits. The traditional Lunar Year is always calculated in accordance with the moon, this being the reason why its exact date varies from year to year: new moon sets the date and new beginnings!
Karl Topham, Senior Editor
Disclosure: I received these perfumes by the brands, but not for this article.
Please note you can find Scents of Wood Cedre Mineral to sample at Jovoy Paris
Thanks to Matière Premiere and Ramon Monegal, we have 50ml bottles of either Neroli Oranger and Ocean Oud (your choice) for two registered reader USA & EU. To be eligible, please leave a comment about what appeals to you about Karl’s essay and Rachel’s introduction to the Lunar New Year 2023, your choice should you win and where you live. Draw closes 01/30/23.
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