Our petrichor carries the unmistakable smell of kitkitdizze; a name given by the local Indigenous people. This native plant is abundant here; and when it rains there is a sweet chemistry of resinous oils and soil microbes, creating a distinct scent: earthy, herbal, and creosote. I love this blend. It smells like home.
But what is petrichor? In Greek, “petros” means stone and “ichor” refers to the mythical essence flowing in the veins of the gods. So, petrichor literally means “the blood (or essence) of the stone. A fitting name for a scent that feels timeless and grounding.
What is the smell of petrichor where you live?