Below I am going to list some historical quotes regarding aloeswood, which is also known as agarwood.
Agarwood is a resinous and aromatic tree which is quite popular in Asia. Famously, it is know for it’s role in Japanese kodo games. Although people burn incense for all sorts of reasons, aloeswood maintains a special place in the hearts of many people.
“…Soft, soft I have made my bed, spread it with embroidered tapestries of Egyptian wool; freshly scented is that bower of mine with Myrrh and Aloes and Cinnamon. Come, let us lose ourselves in dalliance, all the night through, let us enjoy the long desired embrace…” – Proverbs: 7:16-19
“What wealth of grace is here… no lack of Spikenard or Saffron, of Calamus or Incense tree, of Myrrh… of Aloes or any rarest perfume.” – Solomon: Song of songs
“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come let us take our fill of love. Until morning; let us delight ourselves with love.” – Proverbs 7:17-18
“Beautiful ladies, preparing themselves for the feast of pleasures, cleanse themselves with the yellow powder of sandal, clear and pure, freshen their breasts with pleasant aromas, and suspend their dark hair in the smoke of burning aloes.” – The Indian poet Kalidasa
There is also an account of King Louis XIV of France having his shirts washed in an herbal concoction containing rose water and aloeswood.
