How Scents Trigger Memories: Seven Happy Scents
Ever have a moment where you smell something and a nice memory pops into your mind? Scents trigger memories and make people happy. Our brain records what we are sensing when we are feeling happy.
I’ve been thinking about scents that I like that trigger fond memories and there are several that I share here with you. I wonder if you like them too!
The Science Behind Scent And Memories
What makes scents trigger memories? I’m not a scientist, so I searched out the answer from the experts. According to Psychology Today:
Incoming smells are first processed by the olfactory bulb, which starts inside the nose and runs along the bottom of the brain. The olfactory bulb has direct connections to two brain areas that are strongly implicated in emotion and memory: the amygdala and hippocampus.
Jordan Gaines Lewis, Ph.D. , Psychology Today
Perhaps we are conditioned to enjoy certain scents. Think of lemon balm, chamomile or lavender. They are introduced to us by parents or in relaxing settings, creating a pleasant, stress-free atmosphere. Aromatherapy during massages and spa treatments helps reduce stress and brings a sense of peace. So whenever I smell lavender, I think of a spa or relaxing hotel room.
I’m sharing my list of favourite scents and memories associated with them. Perhaps some of these scents also appeal to you.
1 // Rainfall In A Forest
This is one of my top scents that trigger memories! I love nature and the smell of the earth, plants, and water is an intoxicating mix.
Imagine an overcast, summer day and a dense forest with a rough trail through it. Stones, roots and a layer of leaves and pine needles run through a lush, green wood. There’s no wind and you can hear the woodland animals and birds as they go about their business.
A soft rain is falling. Not enough to soak you, but just enough to create petrichor. This is the lovely scent you smell when rain falls on the ground after a dry spell.
The scent of nature was what I was experienced when I was hiking on the trail around Orphan Lake at Lake Superior Provincial Park in 2006 (photo above). I remember being tired from the hike but also enjoying the isolation on the trail, the lack of man-made sound and the “woods in the rain” scent. Every time I smell this scent of rain after a rainfall, I think of that hike.
2 // Freshly Ground And Brewed Coffee
Scents trigger memories of good times. Coffee is one of those scents that takes me down memory lane.
I love the scent of freshly ground coffee or freshly brewed coffee. It reminds me of Sunday afternoon get-togethers with family friends when I was little.
My parents would often have guests over for a traditional after-church lunch or a late afternoon “coffee and cake”. After all the savoury foods, my mom served home-made plum cake or baked cheesecake and freshly brewed coffee.
3 // Vanilla
Certain scents trigger memories of your youth. Vanilla is one that does just that for me.
Remember when Body Shop was the place to purchase scented beauty products?
I’m giving away my age (yes, I’m in my 40s). In the 1990s and early 2000’s, this was the place for all the young ladies-in-the-know to shop for Vanilla Eau De Toilette. The scent would be strong initially, then fading into a mellow smell that would entice guys with a love of sweet things.
I was one of those vanilla perfume-wearing young women. Some of my most fun times socializing with friends happened while I had this scent on. It’s no wonder it’s on my top 7 list of scents that trigger memories.
4 // Lavender
During my stay at St. Anns House in Salisbury in 2008, the hosts left lavender sachets on my pillow. This made my night so relaxing after a busy day of being tourist.
We recently ordered online a small box of lavender tea from Murchie’s Tea, one of the best tea purveyors, based in Vancouver. My first sip brought back memories of St. Anns and my memorable stay there.
5 // Cabbage Rolls, Cutlets And Potatoes With Dill
Weird scents trigger memories too.
Anybody who grew up with a Polish or Ukrainian grandmother living with them can relate to the lovely scent of Baba’s cooking. The smell of fresh cabbage rolls in the oven, and the deep-fried scent of chicken or pork cutlets – aka “kotlety” – reminds me of Babcia.
Boiled potatoes with a bit of butter and dill are also a quintessentially Polish dish. It was often served at our home. Every time I visit my parents and my mom has cooked up these foods, I have fond memories of my grandmother working away in the kitchen. Her ability to prepare and season traditional Polish dishes so that they were mouth-wateringly delicious cannot be beaten. (Sorry mom!)
| Related: Celebrating Family Day – Family Fun From My Youth
6 // Whisky And Bourbon
One of the key scents that trigger ]memories for me is whisky. Like with freshly brewed coffee on Sunday afternoon lunches, I have fond memories of my dad mixing a Canadian rye whisky drink for guests.
I associate the scent of whisky with happy, good times.
There’s also something about kissing somebody who has had a few sips – fewer inhibitions, a touch of romance… passion. I think of the scene where Rhett Butler gets drunk on whisky, frustrated with Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind. Whisky is associated with masculinity, and he’s definitely a “real” man. It’s no wonder I enjoy ‘date nights’ at home with my husband, enjoying a glass or two of whisky after dinner.
Working with a number of whisky and bourbon brands, I’ve enjoyed tasting different types of whiskies over the past few years. Canadian rye whisky and bourbon are my favourite types of whisky with their butterscotch, caramel and toffee scents. However, occasionally a good peaty Scotch is perfect on a chilly winter night.
7 // Cookies
Why do real estate agents bake a batch of cookies before doing an Open House? It’s because the scent is welcoming, reminding you of a warm, vanilla- chocolate hug.
For some reason, the baked cookie scent triggers memories of family and childhood. It’s what makes people think that they can live in this house because it’s so cozy.
For me, the scent of freshly baked cookies elicit memories of sitting in contentment, enjoying a great-tasting cup of coffee and a cookie. Most often, this was a Fall-time activity.
More About Scent And Memories
If you want to learn more about the science behind scent and memories, check out:
Why Do Scents Trigger Memories? – Scientific American
QUESTION: What are the scents that trigger memories for you? What are your favourite scents and why?
I love when certain smells bring back such fond memories! One of life’s greats moments!
I love few smells because it brings back so many memories into my life. Something that we can’t go back but remember.
Awesome article! I love the scents you shared. I love the smell of cookies in the oven, always reminds me of baking with my mom. I also love the smell of roses and other flowers, I guess because I love nature and it makes me feel so peaceful. There are so many smells I enjoy that elicit good feelings, hard to name just a few!
It’s funny how strongly scents can trigger memories. Foods seem to always bring back memories for me. I love a lot of outdoorsy scents – one of my faves is tomato stems! (Is that odd?)
Ok, I love all of those scents even the cabbage, especially the cabbage. I don’t even drink whiskey and I know the smell. It brings me back to a fun time in Kentucky. Such a great post. Thanks
CABBAGE! Really? When I think of cabbage, I think of my grandmother’s cabbage rolls. But yes, the whisky has a distinct scent.
Not too odd about the tomato stems. It also makes me think of when I was a kid, gardening with my grandmother and picking ripe tomatoes off the vine (and then eating the sun-warmed tomatoes right there!).