The aroma of Spring

BY HOWARD CUMMINS

COLUMNIST

The smell of a new season of each year reawakens memories of older ones. As they enliven our dozy senses and stir our imagination, the aroma (a nicer word than “smell”) dips down into our past and intoxicates us with unexplained joys for being alive.

I am reminded of an article published several years ago in an issue of Discovery magazine entitled Scents & Sensibility about how the nose knows more than we think. The article contends that we are disconnected from our noses, and our vision overrides the sense of smell in many situations. This study indicated that we could distinguish at least 1 trillion different odors that feed from the nose to cortical areas of the brain to arouse emotions and memories without our awareness.

These memories have the ability to form a gateway straight to the heart where they can be cherished and stored. There were days in my past when sunshine and the extraordinarily aromas of spring inspired me from the early morning straight through the day.

Having been deprived of outdoor experiences over these many months I relish the knowledge that I will soon be able to spend time emersed in the full glories of this emerging season.

Already the delicate yellow jonquils, some people refer to as daffodils, are emerging from their winter hibernation. These rich yellow flowers that bloom in small clumps can be seen scattered along roadways and yards.Among them will be maverick dandelions, and white and blue varieties of spring blossoms. All exude a subtle fragrance both unpleasant and sweet, but never sensuous.

And it will not be long now before the countryside and forests will be blessed with the first blooming trees. The pear, apple, Redbuds and finally the Dogwoods will awaken our senses with their visual and aromatic glory.

How I look forward to again sitting and awaiting a soft Spring breeze to send a brief flood of sweet aromas to fill my senses and awaken memories while also creating new. These sense-drenching aromas mingled in the air give promise for some of the most gratifying experiences of life. This sweet smell and feeling of Spring.