A Phenomenological Discussion about Floral Symbolisms, Olfaction & Music themes in Lived Experiences

This research initially seeks to establish elucidatory contexts that are fundamentally shaped by the persistent presence of flowers throughout the history of music. These observations serve as a foundational backdrop for deeper investigation into floral symbolism and its intricate connections to musical expression—both in historical and contemporary contexts. Central to this inquiry is an exploration of my own lived musical experiences, experiences that have been profoundly shaped by an enduring curiosity about how floral symbolism and sensory modalities have influenced and contoured my musical journey. To fully grasp the extent to which external sensory stimuli impact musical perception and artistic cognition, sensory perception itself functions as the inspiration for the overarching research narrative. This narrative is primarily concerned with themes that intersect with the subconscious mind, the associative power of sensory experiences, and the role of multimodal perception in shaping creative engagement. By foregrounding these elements, this study aims to provide a richer, more nuanced understanding of how sensory interactions—particularly those involving scent and music—contribute to meaning-making and artistic interpretation. The investigation unfolds through a series of phenomenological inquiries centred on lived experience, questioning how these discussions may contribute to the characterization of an emergent phenomenon. This postulated phenomenon seeks to illuminate certain enigmatic aspects of subconscious cognitive processing, particularly in relation to how the mind internalizes and reacts to multisensory stimuli. Through a synthesis of experimental methodologies and philosophical reflection, this study aspires to forge new conceptual links between flowers, music, and scent—three seemingly distinct but deeply interconnected elements that, when examined in unison, may offer fresh insights into the complexities of human perception and creative expression.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Martin, Bradley Jerad

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Grobler, Pieter

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132640

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/132640