The sense of smell was important to early humans. They used it to avoid dangers and track food. Today, our noses still help us notice a fire, leaking gas, or spoiled food. But we no longer need them just to survive. Smell is still very important to us, however.
It reminds us of memories and emotions. A smell you knew long ago can make you recall the memory and feelings of an event from way in the past. The yeasty aroma of baking bread may recall happy memories of grandma’s kitchen. But a whiff of hot coffee may remind you of an accidental childhood burn.
We have a very strong emotional connection with smells. It’s so strong, smell is often used to sell things. Used-car sellers may spray cans of new-car smell in older cars. Real estate agents may spray baking smells in a house that’s for sale. They may even bake cookies! Some shopping malls use a fake pizza smell to bring shoppers into food courts.
