A Lover's Desire of Eternity: Mô the Mermaid of Mahón
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Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Menorca, Mahón - also known as Maó-Mahón or simply Mô in local dialect, boasts a history as rich as its breathtaking coastline. The town's origins trace back to 205 BC, when it was founded by the Carthaginian General Magon Barca. Yet, beyond the annals of history, an enchanting legend has woven itself into the island's cultural fabric, captivating generations with a tale of love, loss, and unwavering devotion.
The Timeless Tale of Mô the Mermaid
As the legend goes, a shipwreck off Menorca’s rugged coast saw the son of a Carthaginian general cast into the sea, his fate seemingly sealed by the tempestuous waves. But destiny had other plans. From the depths emerged a mermaid, a vision of ethereal beauty, who saved the young warrior and nursed him back to health on the island’s shores. Love blossomed between them, a romance as deep and boundless as the sea itself.
Yet, as with many tales of love and war, tragedy was inevitable. Duty called the general’s son back to battle, where he met his untimely demise. Devastated but undeterred, the mermaid refused to accept his death, choosing instead to wait upon a solitary rock, steadfast in her belief that he would one day return to her arms.
Centuries later, the renowned sculptor Leonardo Lucarini immortalised this heart-wrenching legend in bronze, christening the mermaid “Mô” as an homage to the city and its storied past. To this day, she stands as a silent sentinel over Mahón’s waters, her gaze fixed upon the horizon, longing for the return of her lost love.
The Fragrance of a Legend: Sirena
This poetic tale of devotion and mystery became the inspiration for Sirena, a fragrance that embodies the allure and romance of Mô herself. The scent opens with an exhilarating burst of marine accords, intertwined with the delicate freshness of jasmine and the citrusy spark of bergamot, accented by a whisper of pink peppercorn.
As Sirena unfolds, it reveals a heart of floral opulence, where oleander, peony, and rose bloom in harmonious symphony. These intoxicating blossoms are gently sweetened by the subtle presence of summer berries, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the composition.
The base notes settle into a sensual embrace of musk, patchouli, and sandalwood, grounding the fragrance in warmth and timeless elegance. Much like the legend of Mô, Sirena lingers on the skin, a captivating reminder of love’s eternal yearning.
Fragrances Inspired by the Enchantment of Menorca
Floris’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the island of Menorca. It was here, in the historic town of Ciutadella, that the brand’s visionary founder, Juan Famenias Floris, first experienced the landscapes and aromas that would shape his lifelong passion for perfumery.
Following the British control of Menorca in 1713 and the establishment of the strategic port of Mahón, Juan embarked on a journey northward to London, where he and his wife, Elizabeth, founded Floris at 89 Jermyn Street in 1730. Despite the distance, Menorca’s culture, flora, and history remained a profound influence, inspiring Juan to craft fragrances that encapsulated the island’s essence.
Today, this legacy endures in Floris’s exquisite collection. Scents such as Night Scented Jasmine, JF, and Soulle Ámbar pay homage to Juan’s homeland, echoing the Mediterranean’s intoxicating beauty. From the soft, sun-drenched notes of jasmine to the crisp, invigorating sea breeze captured in each bottle, these fragrances are a tribute to Menorca’s rich heritage and the eternal inspiration it provides.
Discover the Magic
With each spritz, Floris invites you to embark on a sensory journey through time, where myth and memory intertwine. Let Sirena transport you to the shores of Mahón, where a mermaid still waits, and love remains eternal.
Why is the mermaid Mô such an important part of Mahón’s history?
The legend of Mô has been passed down through generations as a symbol of love, patience, and devotion. Her story intertwines with Mahón’s identity, making her an emblem of the town’s mythical and cultural heritage. The sculpture of Mô by Leonardo Lucarini ensures that her story continues to be remembered and honored.
How does Sirena reflect the essence of Mô the mermaid?
Sirena is a fragrance that captures the spirit of the sea, romance, and timeless longing—just like Mô’s story. The marine accords evoke the ocean’s freshness, while jasmine, bergamot, and pink pepper add layers of delicate floral and citrus warmth. The musky, woody base symbolizes the depth of Mô’s unwavering love.
What other fragrances from Floris are inspired by Menorca’s beauty?
In addition to Sirena, Floris has crafted scents like Night Scented Jasmine and JF, both of which draw from Menorca’s rich floral and maritime landscapes. These fragrances capture the Mediterranean’s essence, blending nature’s most intoxicating scents with timeless elegance.