Wicca 101 - for the Senses

for the senses: pomanders Return to for the Senses

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Pomanders have been used since the Middle Ages. The pomanders that we make today are rooted in Colonial and Victorian times. During those times, pomanders were not only decorative but also useful to cover up bad odors. They will serve that same useful purpose today, keeping a closet or little used room fragrant with spices and citrus. Apples were frequently used as the pomander base during the Colonial period because oranges were too expensive. Pomanders today are usually made from oranges. You could also choose to make your pomanders from apples, oranges, lemons, limes, or crab apples.

Traditional Pomanders

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Pomanders have been used since the Middle Ages. The pomanders that we make today are rooted in Colonial and Victorian times. During those times, pomanders were not only decorative but also useful to cover up bad odors. They will serve that same useful purpose today, keeping a closet or little used room fragrant with spices and citrus. Apples were frequently used as the pomander base during the Colonial period because oranges were too expensive. Pomanders today are usually made from oranges. You could also choose to make your pomanders from apples, oranges, lemons, limes, or crab apples.
Traditional Pomanders

Supplies needed:
Fruit selected for base
Whole Cloves
1 Tablespoon EACH ground Cloves,
Cinnamon, Ginger, and Nutmeg
1 Tablespoon powdered Orris Root
satin ribbon

1. Mix the spices and orris root together in large bowl.
This mixture will help your pomander dry and increase
its fragrance. It will also help to preserve the pomander.
2. Select firm, ripe fruit with no blemishes.
3. Use a skewer of some sort to poke holes in the fruit.
4. Push the stem of the clove into the fruit.
5. Place the cloves close together on the fruit.
This is a slow, but pleasant process. Try to complete
each fruit in one session.
6. When the orange or apple is completely covered with
cloves, roll it in the spice and orris root mixture.
7. Leave it in the spices.
8. Put the fruit and spices in a cool, dark place.
9. Roll the fruit in the spices every day, until fruit is dry.

After the pomanders are completely dry, tie a bright ribbon around them and place in a bowl. You can also run a ribbon through the pomanders and use ribbon to hang in closets or in a room. These will last indefinitely.

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