Wood Violet Essence by Elizabeth Arden, launched in 1920, evokes a sense of nature and elegance. The name "Wood Violet Essence" combines two key elements: "wood" and "violet." The word violet refers to the small, fragrant flower known for its delicate purple petals, while wood invokes imagery of forests and the earthy, green surroundings where violets grow. In French, violette denotes the flower, and the word essence indicates an extract, particularly a fragrance distilled from a flower or plant. The name calls to mind the fresh, dewy scent of violets found in shaded woodlands.
For women of the 1920s, a fragrance like Wood Violet Essence would have been both a symbol of sophistication and a connection to the natural world. The roaring twenties was a period of rapid change and liberation, and the idea of a fragrance based on a delicate flower found in the woods could evoke feelings of both innocence and quiet strength. The scent of violets was associated with romanticism and was often seen as a symbol of modesty and purity, making it an appealing choice for a post-World War I era that was seeking renewal. The fragrance would likely have appealed to the sensibilities of women who were looking to assert their independence while still embracing femininity.
