Plague Pomander

This pomander is a historically inspired mixture of fragrant substances, carefully blended to mimic the aromas used during the plague outbreaks from the 1300s onwards. Pomanders were believed to offer protection against disease by warding off the miasma (foul-smelling air) that was thought to transmit illness. They were often carried or worn in pouches or beaked masks, as was the custom with Plague Doctors.

Key Features:

• Authentic Blend: This hessian pouch contains a fragrant blend of wormwood, rose petals, lavender, cloves, myrrh, angelica, and cinnamon, which were all recorded in historical accounts as being used during the time of the plague.
• Historical Use: Pomanders were commonly used by people during times of plague and disease, believed to protect them from illness by neutralising the dangerous air.
• Size and Packaging: The herbs are packed in a hessian pouch, creating a compact, natural-looking container. The blend inside evokes the scents believed to offer protection.
• Not for Consumption: This is a historical curio, intended for display or educational purposes only—do not consume.

Historical Context:

Pomanders were part of the miasma theory—the belief that disease spread through contaminated, foul-smelling air. In an attempt to counteract this, people filled these scented pouches with a mix of herbs and spices, which were thought to purify the air they breathed. During the bubonic plague, these blends were commonly used, and they were often placed in the beaks of Plague Doctor masks, like the one worn by doctors during their visits to infected patients.

Educational Purpose:

• Plague History: A fascinating addition for those studying the history of the plague and the medieval medical beliefs surrounding disease transmission.
• Cultural Practices: Ideal for exploring the use of herbal remedies and aromatics in historical health practices.
• Plague Doctor Reenactments: A perfect accessory for Plague Doctor costumes or as part of a display on medieval medicine.

Ideal For:

• Historical Displays: An excellent addition to exhibitions on the plague, medieval history, or medieval medicine.
• Reenactments and Costumes: A great historical item for Plague Doctor reenactments or themed events.
• Collectors of Historical Curios: A unique item for those interested in historical artefacts, medieval health practices, or plague-related items.

This pomander offers a fascinating and authentic connection to the medieval beliefs surrounding disease and protection, making it a unique educational piece or historical curio for any collection.