One of my favorite Christmas memories from my childhood was making Pomander Balls with my mom and sister. When they were completed, mom would hang one above the kitchen sink and the delightful aroma would permeate the area. Now when I smell the pomander citrus & clove fragrance it triggers wonderful feelings of warmth, happiness and family. I have carried on the tradition with my girls and they are always excited when they see the parts and pieces starting to be gathered on our kitchen counter - oranges, whole cloves, ribbons and pins.
A little history - the word pomander dates from the Middle Age corruption of the French word pomme d'ambre, literally, apple of amber. It was once a container the size of an apple, usually made of metal or wood, punctured with holes and filled with spices. A person would hang it from themselves and was thought to help prevent the catching of disease along with masking offensive body odors. Pomander balls in colonial America were used as decorations in the homes of the wealthy and in closets to repel moths. Commonly today, pomander balls are clove studded oranges, but lemons, limes, apples and hard pears can also be used.
1 comment:
I can almost smell the wonderful aroma!
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