Jasmine, or “Yasmin” in Arabic, means fragrant flower. In Persia, jasmine means the “gift from God.” White jasmine flowers symbolize purity, love and beauty, often adorning a bride’s bouquet and wedding garlands. And in Thailand, jasmine flowers are associated with a mother’s unconditional love and are a symbol of respect. In many cultures, its symbol of purity is associated with other religious ceremonies, from joyous celebrations to even funerals. It goes without saying, but jasmine is cherished and revered throughout the world.
But from an aromatic point of view, what does jasmine smell like? In this guide, we explore the scent of the wonderfully sensual jasmine flower and where it is derived from, as well as scents it pairs nicely with and complementing aromas.
What Is Jasmine?
Jasmine, or Jasminum grandiflorum (Oleaceae), is a flowering shrub and vine, as well as a member of the olive tree family. Jasmine comes in over 200 species, mostly from warmer tropical and subtropical regions of Eurasian and Oceanian countries.
The jasmine shrub and its vines, which can live for up to 15 to 20 years, are widely cultivated for their flowers and used in a variety of perfumes, lotions, soaps and even infused into green tea for added complexity to the taste. Some jasmine plants are deciduous and lose their leaves each year, while others are evergreens. Some jasmine vines are wanderers, climbing trellises and other trees up to 30 feet high, and other jasmine bushes are more narrow and straight to around 15 feet. Still, however the jasmine grows, it produces a flower with smooth, slender stems and a star-shaped bloom.
This star-shaped jasmine flower can be found in either a yellow or white hue, growing in clusters with a trio of blooms or more. While the bloom is shaped like a star, the jasmine’s leaves are just as beautiful. Some are more minimal and defined, while some are more ornate, sometimes with a swirling pinnate of nine alternating leaves.
What Does Jasmine Smell Like?
Jasmine lends a floral scent that is rich and sweet. To some, jasmine alone is almost too sweet of an aroma. However, when combined with other scents, it is just the right touch.
Jasmine is also considered very sensual. In fact, jasmine is often described as being intoxicating and even exotic. Due to its carnal qualities, jasmine is considered an aphrodisiac in some cultures. Hindus and Muslims regard jasmine as the perfume of love, used for relaxing the body and lowering emotional borders, both of which are needed when engaging in intimacy.
Jasmine is so often associated with sensuality, love and the like that there is a legendary tale centered around this flower. Essentially, it involves a Tuscan gardener guarding his precious jasmine plant, refusing to let others cut from it. Once the jasmine finally bloomed, he presented it to a woman he was in love with and she was so charmed by it that she agreed to marry him.
The jasmine flower, although it seems to have a feminine nature, is actually a fragrance that can be worn or appreciated by anyone. Male, female and non-binary alike, the jasmine scent can be added to a variety of other scents, complementing and accentuating it into something truly special.