Lance Carson
Sending letters to incarcerated friends or family is a common way to stay in touch. In the US, jails house inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences of no more than a year, while prisons house inmates serving longer sentences. When writing to an inmate, it's important to address the envelope correctly, including the inmate's name, booking number, and the physical address or P.O. box of the facility. Some facilities also offer email communication, where staff print and deliver messages to inmates. While scenting letters with perfume or cologne is not recommended, as some facilities prohibit envelopes with strong scents, others have successfully sent scented letters to inmates, believing it provides a 'hug' or a 'girly' touch. However, it's important to be cautious and respectful of facility rules to ensure the letter reaches the intended recipient.
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What You'll Learn
Some jails and prisons prohibit envelopes with strong scents
Sending letters to incarcerated friends or family members can be a great way to maintain contact and provide emotional support. However, it's important to be mindful of the rules and regulations that govern inmate correspondence. One issue that sometimes arises is the use of scented letters or envelopes. While some people enjoy spritzing their letters with perfume, cologne, or body spray, it's crucial to know that some jails and prisons have strict policies prohibiting envelopes with strong scents.
Inmate mail is subject to inspection, and certain facilities have specific guidelines regarding the use of fragrances. Some institutions explicitly prohibit envelopes that smell of perfume, cologne, or other substances. This is often due to concerns about allergies or respiratory issues among inmates and staff. Additionally, strong scents can be overwhelming in confined spaces and may be considered a nuisance or even a form of contamination. Therefore, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid excessive use of fragrances when writing to inmates.
That being said, there are ways to add subtle scents to your letters without risking rejection. Some people recommend using scented paper or cards, which can be found in stores or online. Others suggest storing writing materials with incense sticks or scented teas, allowing the fragrance to transfer indirectly. If you do choose to use perfume or cologne, it's advisable to use a small amount and allow the letter to dry before sealing it in the envelope. This reduces the risk of moisture damage or staining.
While adding a scent to your letters can be a thoughtful gesture, it's important to prioritize compliance with prison regulations. Before sending scented letters, research the specific rules of the facility where your recipient is located. Some Department of Corrections (DOC) websites provide detailed information about what is and isn't allowed in inmate mail. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your letters reach their intended recipients without issue.
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Scented letters can evoke memories and emotions
Sending scented letters to inmates is a topic of discussion among people who write to them. While some people are hesitant to spray perfume or cologne directly on letters, others have experimented with different scents, such as body spray or incense sticks. Some people have mentioned that they received letters with subtle scents, while others have had letters rejected due to excessive perfume. It is recommended to check the rules of the specific facility to avoid any issues.
Scent plays a significant role in evoking memories and emotions. The sense of smell is closely connected to the brain areas responsible for memories and emotions. This connection is so strong that it can transport you back in time to a specific memory or a loved one. The famous "Proustian moment", described by French author Marcel Proust in his 1913 novel, "À la recherche du temps perdu", captures this phenomenon. Proust's character experiences a rush of memories triggered by the scent of cake in his tea.
The science behind this lies in the way our olfactory system works. Our sense of smell starts when molecules in the air, called odorants, bind to specific receptors in the back of our nose. These receptors then produce electrical signals in nerve cells (neurons) that travel to our brain. The olfactory bulb, located above the nasal cavity, processes these signals and sends them to deeper brain structures, including the piriform cortex, which interprets the signals into what we perceive as a smell.
The connection between scent and memory is particularly strong during childhood, when many brain connections are forming. Dr. Cumming, a psychiatrist, explains that scent-induced memories often recall experiences from childhood, and these connections are designed to help us survive. As we grow older, our brains undergo pruning to reduce unnecessary connections and strengthen important ones, which is why certain scents can evoke powerful memories and emotions from our past.
The impact of scent on our emotional states has been recognized across cultures. Positive emotions elicited by certain fragrances have been linked to lower stress levels and improved mental well-being. For example, the scent of freshly baked cookies or flowers can evoke warm and fuzzy feelings. Furthermore, research has shown that diffusing lemon scent in an office increased productivity by 54%, and a nostalgic scent has been found to improve mood and reduce negative feelings.
The power of scent is not just limited to personal experiences but also extends to branding and marketing. Scent branding has become a popular strategy for companies to create memorable connections with their customers. For instance, Nike's signature scent is inspired by the smell of a rubber basketball sneaker on the court. Olfactory branding companies, such as the one founded by Dawn Goldworm, specialize in using scent to transform brand-building and create powerful impressions on customers.
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Scented letters are often sent for romantic reasons
However, scented letters are not always sent for romantic reasons. Some forum users on WriteAPrisoner.com describe how they have sent scented letters to their incarcerated friends to remind them of "normal" smells from their "other life", such as fresh-cut grass or automobile exhaust. Similarly, a user on Fragrantica.com describes how they sprayed a letter with perfume when writing to their friend in jail because they were worried about her.
Some forum users on WriteAPrisoner.com also describe how they have received scented letters from their incarcerated correspondents. One user describes receiving letters from their "TX guy" with a strong scent of cologne, which he uses to give her a "hug" and remind her of his presence. Another user describes receiving letters from their pen pal with a "fresh, feminine scent", which may have been absorbed by the paper from soap or lotion.
While scented letters can be a source of comfort and connection for incarcerated individuals and their correspondents, it is important to note that some jails and prisons may have specific rules prohibiting letters that smell of perfume or cologne. Forum users on WriteAPrisoner.com recommend experimenting with shorter letters to avoid disappointment or spraying the perfume on a separate piece of paper or card to include with the letter.
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Some people use body spray instead of perfume
It is not uncommon for people to spray perfume on letters to inmates. While some people do it for romantic reasons, others do it to remind the recipient of their "other life". Some people also use body spray instead of perfume. Body sprays are lighter and less concentrated than perfumes, making them ideal for everyday use. They are also cheaper and can be used generously throughout the day. Body sprays are also a good option for those who are sensitive to fragranced oils or additives, as they contain more alcohol and water than perfume.
In terms of application, some people spray the perfume or body spray directly onto the letter, while others prefer to spray it from above so that the pages do not get moist or stained. Some people also choose to use a perfume sample card, spraying it with their chosen scent at home and sending it to their loved one. This can be pinned above their pillow, and when the scent wears off, a new one can be requested.
It is important to note that while some people have had success with sending scented letters, others have had their letters rejected due to the strong smell. It may be worth checking the rules of the specific facility, as some facilities may have different policies regarding scented letters. Additionally, it is worth considering that the recipient may not be able to distinguish the scent as it may mix with other letters and packages during transit.
Overall, the use of body spray or perfume on letters to inmates is a personal choice. While some people enjoy adding a scent to their letters, others may prefer to avoid it due to allergies, sensitivity, or the risk of rejection. It is important to respect the preferences and boundaries of the recipient when considering whether to use body spray or perfume on letters to inmates.
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The scent may fade during delivery
Sending scented letters to inmates is a common practice, with people using perfume, cologne, body spray, or scented lotion. Some people spray their letters with perfume or cologne, while others use scented paper or include perfume-soaked stickers. The scent is meant to evoke positive emotions, remind the inmate of their "other life," or simply make the letter smell nice.
However, there is a risk that the scent may fade during delivery, especially if the delivery time is long. One person who sends scented letters mentions that the scent probably fades in the week it takes for their mail to arrive. Additionally, some jails and prisons have specific rules against letters that smell of perfume or cologne. These letters may be rejected or returned. To avoid this, some people suggest spraying the letter subtly or using a body spray instead of perfume, as it is often more subtle. Others recommend doing a test run with a short letter to see if it gets delivered without issues.
To preserve the scent for as long as possible, some people suggest spritzing the letter with perfume or cologne instead of soaking it, as too much liquid can cause stains and increase the likelihood of the letter being rejected. One person mentions laying out the pages on a table and spraying the perfume from above to avoid moisture and stains. Another person suggests using a perfume sample card, which can be pinned above the inmate's pillow and replaced once the scent fades.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of scent preservation methods may vary, and there is no guarantee that the scent will remain strong throughout the delivery process. The length of delivery time, exposure to different temperatures and environments, and other factors can all impact the longevity of the scent. Ultimately, the decision to spray perfume on a letter to an inmate involves weighing the risks of rejection against the potential benefits of providing a pleasant scent.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are no explicit rules against spraying perfume on letters to inmates, some jails and prisons prohibit envelopes that smell of perfume or cologne. It is recommended to check the rules of the specific facility before sending a perfumed letter.
Some people suggest spraying perfume on a separate piece of paper or a perfume sample card and including it with the letter. Others recommend using scented lotion, body spray, or incense sticks to add a more subtle fragrance to the letter.
Some people spray perfume on letters to inmates as a way of reminding them of scents from their "other life" outside of prison. It can also be a way of adding a "`girly`" touch or providing a comforting "hug" through scent.
