It has been said that certain scents – especially very distinct ones – can evoke powerful memories. It can be the perfume of a loved one, the smell of Christmas dinner during family reunions, the sweet smell of cigars that linger in the air which some children associate with their grandfathers.

Unlike words which still needs a considerable amount of brain processing, smell is said to go directly to the heart. Especially when that scent is so strongly associated with a loved one.

Some people I know start reminiscing fondly about their loved ones when they smell something which reminds them of those particular persons. One person I remember keeps thinking about her close uncle when she catches a whiff of cigar smoke. Cigars, I know, can smell quite strongly and sweetly.

The connection between scents and memories is just natural. For me, it is just one of the amazing things in this world.