cinnamomum zeylanicum

Sanskrit: cacy-nam
<<fragrant wood>>
Hebrew: qinnâmôn
Septuagint: kinnamômon
Vulgate: cinnamomum

Proverbs 7, 17
Song 4, 10-14
Revelation 18, 13-14
Exodus 30, 23-24

This particular cinnamon, known as sweet cinnamon, also known as Ceylong cinnamon, was occasionally mistake for aromatic cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), owing to its similar aroma. In the preparation of kyphi, the sacred perfume of the Egyptians, these two types of cinnamon are combined as they are in holy unction of the Hebrews, in the instructions given by the Lord to Moses (Exodus 30, 23-24).

Growing in tropical regions of the Far East, the cinnamon tree can stand ten meters tall. Its bark, harvest every two years, contains the aromatic substances. It was imported from India and Ceylon, where it originates, first by the Persians and Mesopotamians, and then by sea to Egypt, via Ethiopia or southern Arabia. History records many fanciful stories told about the origins of cinnamon.

Considered in ancient times to be one of the most exquisite of fragrances, sweet cinnamon was a perfume of seduction. Mixed with myrrh and aloe, women in love would sprinkle their bed with it.

Cinnamon has a slightly pungent, spicy aroma redolent of burning and a somewhat bitter flavor.