Proustian Phenomenon

The Proustian Phenomenon refers to the powerful way certain sensory experiences, especially smells, can vividly trigger memories and emotions from the past. Named after Marcel Proust, who described how the scent of a madeleine cake unexpectedly brought back a flood of childhood memories, it highlights how our senses are closely linked to our memory system. In essence, a specific taste or smell can instantly transport us back in time, evoking detailed experiences and feelings, often more intensely than other forms of remembrance.