Jungla by Myrurgia c1933

The year 1933, when Myrurgia launched the perfume "Jungla," was marked by the global impact of the Great Depression. This era saw widespread economic hardship, with high unemployment rates and significant financial instability. Amid these challenging times, people often sought means of escapism to distract themselves from their daily struggles. One popular form of escapism was cinema, where movies with exotic and adventurous themes provided a temporary respite from reality.

The early 1930s saw the release of several films that transported audiences to far-off, mysterious locales. For example, "King Kong" (1933) depicted a thrilling adventure on a tropical island, blending elements of the exotic with danger and excitement. Such films fueled the public's imagination about jungles, tropics, and the allure of the unknown. Against this backdrop, Myrurgia's choice to name their perfume "Jungla" resonated deeply with contemporary themes and cultural fascinations.

The word "Jungla" means "jungle" in Spanish, evoking images of dense, lush forests teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. This imagery aligns perfectly with the themes of exoticism and tropical escapism that were popular at the time. By naming the perfume "Jungla," Myrurgia tapped into the collective longing for adventure and the allure of the unknown. It suggested a fragrant journey to a distant, unspoiled paradise, offering an olfactory escape from the harsh realities of the Great Depression.

"Jungla" made an excellent name for a perfume because it conjured notions of mystery, adventure, and natural beauty. For women of the time, a perfume named "Jungla" would symbolize a sense of liberation and exploration. The exotic connotations of the jungle might have provided an empowering contrast to the mundane or challenging aspects of their daily lives. This name would likely evoke feelings of curiosity, excitement, and a desire for adventure.

Women of the 1930s, seeking relief from the stresses of the Great Depression, might have responded positively to a perfume called "Jungla." It would have represented an opportunity to indulge in a sensory escape, to imagine oneself in an exotic, far-off land. The rich, evocative scent of the perfume could transport them, if only momentarily, to a place of beauty and wonder.

The word "Jungla" evokes vivid imagery of untamed nature, vibrant colors, and the sounds of wildlife. It suggests an environment that is both alluring and slightly dangerous, promising excitement and new experiences. This name is unique for a perfume, as it stands out from more traditional names that might focus on floral or romantic themes. "Jungla" implies a bold, adventurous spirit, appealing to women who desired a fragrance that was as daring and unique as they aspired to be.

In summary, "Jungla" by Myrurgia was a product of its time, reflecting the era's fascination with exoticism and escapism. The name "Jungla" captured the imagination of women seeking adventure and beauty beyond their everyday experiences, making it a compelling and memorable choice for a perfume.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fougere fragrance for women.

• Top notes: bergamot, neroli, lavender, geranium
• Middle notes: gardenia, orange blossom, honeysuckle, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine, orris
• Base notes: vanilla, ambergris, vetiver, oakmoss, tonka bean, musk, civet, sandalwood, labdanum, patchouli

"Jungla is a personal essence of lavender fragrance connoisseurs and classic, one of the most pleasant scents."

Scent Profile:

As I step off the boat, the humid air of the lush tropical jungle envelops me, and I am immediately struck by the vibrant greenery that surrounds me. Towering trees, their leaves glistening with dew, form a dense canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The scent of bergamot, fresh and citrusy, mingles with the sharp, slightly bitter aroma of neroli, creating an invigorating prelude to my adventure.

As I venture deeper into the jungle, the earthy, herbaceous fragrance of lavender drifts through the air, soothing my senses and contrasting with the zesty top notes. Geranium's green, slightly minty scent adds a crispness that heightens my awareness of the environment around me. The sounds of exotic birds and distant waterfalls fill the air, creating a symphony of nature that is both calming and exhilarating.

I push through thick clusters of ferns, their cool, feathery fronds brushing against my skin, and find myself in a secluded glade where rare flowers bloom. Here, the intoxicating scent of gardenia greets me, its creamy, rich fragrance mingling with the sweet, floral aroma of orange blossom. Honeysuckle, delicate and honeyed, adds a touch of lightness to the bouquet, while the heady, romantic notes of rose evoke an old-world elegance.

Ylang ylang's exotic, slightly spicy scent combines with the sensuous, lush fragrance of jasmine, creating an olfactory dance that is both seductive and serene. The subtle, powdery undertone of orris root adds depth, grounding the floral symphony with its earthy, violet-like aroma.

Continuing my journey, I reach a hidden grove where the trees part to reveal a treasure trove of precious essences. The warm, sweet scent of vanilla hangs in the air, mingling with the rich, musky aroma of ambergris. Vetiver's smoky, woody scent intertwines with the damp, forest-like fragrance of oakmoss, grounding me in the heart of the jungle.

As I explore further, I come across a patch of tonka bean, its warm, nutty aroma adding a comforting sweetness to the air. The primal, animalic scent of musk and civet rises from the underbrush, mingling with the soft, creamy fragrance of sandalwood and the resinous, leathery scent of labdanum. Patchouli's earthy, slightly spicy aroma completes the symphony, evoking a sense of mystery and depth.

Each scent tells a story of its own, yet they blend seamlessly to create an olfactory tapestry that is as complex and captivating as the jungle itself. I feel the textures of the leaves and petals, the rough bark of trees, and the soft, damp earth beneath my feet. The taste of the air is fresh and slightly tangy, tinged with the myriad scents that surround me.

Suddenly, the ground trembles beneath my feet. In the distance, a deep, resonant roar echoes through the trees, sending birds fluttering into the sky. My heart pounds as I catch a glimpse of an enormous silhouette moving through the jungle. The legendary King Kong emerges, his powerful presence commanding the landscape. His massive frame is covered in dark, matted fur, and his eyes hold an intelligence that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

As King Kong moves closer, the scents around me intensify, blending with the primal energy he exudes. The vanilla and ambergris seem sweeter, the vetiver and oakmoss more grounding, the musk and civet more animalistic. Every fragrance, every texture, every sound becomes sharper, more vivid, as if the very essence of the jungle is being magnified by his presence.

In this enchanted jungle, every breath is a sensory adventure, each fragrance a chapter in a story of exoticism, beauty, and discovery. The experience is immersive, transporting me to a world where nature's most precious essences combine to create a scent that is both timeless and unforgettable. The presence of King Kong adds a thrilling, majestic element to the tale, making the jungle not just a place of beauty and serenity, but also one of raw power and wonder.

Bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Jungla by Myrurgia, a beloved fougere fragrance for women, was unfortunately discontinued at an unspecified date, though it remained available on the market as late as 1959. This perfume, with its rich tapestry of exotic and lush ingredients, captured the imagination and senses of many during its time. Despite its discontinuation, Jungla continued to be sought after and cherished, embodying a nostalgic allure that persisted even as the years passed. Its unique blend of bergamot, neroli, lavender, and geranium, combined with the heart notes of gardenia, orange blossom, honeysuckle, rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and orris, and the deep, lasting base notes of vanilla, ambergris, vetiver, oakmoss, tonka bean, musk, civet, sandalwood, labdanum, and patchouli, ensured that it left a lasting impression on those who experienced it. The discontinuation of Jungla marked the end of an era for many fragrance enthusiasts who had been enchanted by its evocative, exotic charm.