pomander

A pomander is a ball made of aromatic material, typically spices, herbs, or dried fruits, often used as a source of pleasant fragrance or to repel insects. Historically, pomanders were also believed to ward off disease, particularly the plague, by providing a strong, pleasant scent to mask foul odors that were thought to carry illness. The term "pomander" originates from the Old French "pomme d'ambre," meaning apple of amber, though amber itself was not usually a primary ingredient.

The construction of a pomander usually involved studding a whole orange or other citrus fruit with cloves. As the fruit dried, the cloves would remain embedded, creating a fragrant, decorative object. Alternatively, a pomander could be a metal cage or ball, often perforated, containing fragrant substances like musk, ambergris, civet, or dried flowers. These could be carried by hand, hung from the neck or belt, or placed in drawers and closets.

In medieval and Renaissance Europe, pomanders were fashionable accessories for both men and women. They were often elaborately crafted from precious metals like gold and silver, featuring intricate designs and chain attachments. The practice of using pomanders declined with changing understandings of hygiene and disease transmission, but they persist today as a traditional holiday decoration, especially around Christmas, often made with oranges and cloves. Modern interpretations can also be found in potpourri sachets or as decorative elements in home fragrance.