Incense Flash Tauerville 2015

In these days of self-isolation, I spend a lot of time on things I usually wouldn't have time for due to my work or social life. Among other things, writing statements and comments.

I initially wanted to write just a small statement about this fragrance, but it has sparked my thoughts and awakened memories.

The most important thing upfront: the scent smells of dry incense, slightly smoky, and becomes more leathery in the drydown. Longevity is very good for me, sillage is medium to good.

As some of you may know, I am half Macedonian. My mother's family lives in the capital, Skopje, and I usually spend the Easter holidays there every year. Although Easter often does not fall on the same day, it is the best time for me to visit my family there. My mother always comes as well, since she has her birthday in April and was previously tied to my brother's school holidays. In summer, it is too hot for her there, and in winter, my parents spend time with my father's family.
For me, during my studies, Easter was also the best time for Skopje. In summer, I always have to go to the sea; otherwise, I go crazy. In winter, I often visit my paternal family as well.

My family in Skopje is large, hospitable, and fun-loving. Whenever I visit them, they try to pamper us as much as possible, even though they actually have limited means. Anyone with family from the Balkans knows exactly how it is: Grandma cooks way too much, you eat as much as you can because the food is very good, but in the end, she always accuses you of not eating enough. She takes it so personally. "You didn't like my food; why else wouldn't you eat more!" But enough about that.

Whatever is on the agenda, as long as we have the opportunity to catch the Orthodox Easter celebration, is a visit to my favorite church. Next to Skopje, there is a mountain called Vodno. If you drive up from the city, you can eventually turn off quite high up and find a small church that is rather off the beaten path. We tend to avoid the large city church because it is far too crowded during Easter. The Easter mass takes place at midnight and lasts quite a long time. This fragrance embodies that mass for me. The dry incense that almost suffocates the room, far too little oxygen because hundreds of candles are lit. The mass lasts for hours; older women faint and are taken outside the church to get some air before re-entering the mass. It's all a bit crazy, but still tradition, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

The incense in this fragrance is very authentic. It reminds me one-to-one of the church incense in Orthodox churches, especially during the Easter mass. The slight smokiness fits perfectly as well. I know that for many people this is an off-putting smell, but for me, it is a memory.

It weighs heavily on me that I cannot be with my family this year. The fragrance brings me a little closer to them. And yet, an Easter celebration with just two people is very sad for me, as I am used to large celebrations with the whole family.

I know that in this comment, I have described the fragrance 10% and let my heart run free 90%, but you will forgive me for that.

I wish you all good health and all the best in these strange times. If you are of the Christian faith, I also wish you a lovely Easter celebration!