The neuter noun aroma (plural aromata) denotes fragrant spices or aromatic substances, particularly those used in ancient burial customs to anoint and preserve the body. All four New Testament occurrences cluster around the burial and resurrection of Jesus: the women buy spices to anoint his body (Mark 16:1), prepare them before the Sabbath rest (Luke 23:56), bring them to the tomb at dawn on Sunday (Luke 24:1), and Nicodemus provides a lavish quantity of myrrh and aloes for the initial wrapping (John 19:40). The word entered many European languages virtually unchanged -- French aromate, English 'aroma,' Spanish especias (shifting to the broader 'spices') -- testimony to the enduring cultural memory of ancient aromatic practices.