Meaning: This quote by musician Carlos Santana beautifully captures the sensory experience of welcoming a new life into the world. It signifies the profound connection between the physical and spiritual realms, as well as the remarkable blend of earthly and divine fragrances that accompany the arrival of a baby.

In the first part of the quote, Santana describes the smell of flesh, comparing it to the aroma of chicken soup. This comparison may seem unusual at first, but it effectively conveys the idea of warmth, nourishment, and comfort. Chicken soup is often associated with healing and rejuvenation, and its aroma evokes feelings of home and safety. In likening the smell of flesh to chicken soup, Santana may be alluding to the idea of new life being a source of comfort and nourishment for those around it. The scent of a newborn baby can indeed evoke a sense of warmth and tenderness, much like the familiar and soothing aroma of chicken soup.

Furthermore, Santana’s reference to the smell of lilies as the "flower of another garden, the spiritual garden" introduces a contrasting yet complementary element to the quote. Lilies are often associated with purity, renewal, and spirituality in many cultures and traditions. Their delicate and sweet fragrance is often used in religious and spiritual ceremonies to symbolize rebirth, hope, and the transcendent beauty of the divine. By connecting the scent of lilies to the spiritual realm, Santana emphasizes the profound significance of new life and the profound impact it has on the spiritual and emotional well-being of those around it.

The juxtaposition of these two distinct yet harmonious scents – the earthly aroma of flesh resembling chicken soup and the ethereal fragrance of lilies symbolizing the spiritual realm – creates a powerful metaphor for the multi-dimensional nature of the human experience. Santana’s eloquent portrayal of these scents suggests that the arrival of a baby brings together the physical and spiritual aspects of life in a deeply meaningful way. It conveys the idea that the presence of a new life has the power to simultaneously nourish and uplift the body and soul, infusing the world with a sense of warmth, comfort, and spiritual grace.

Overall, Santana’s quote beautifully captures the essence of new life and the profound impact it has on our senses and our understanding of the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms. It serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and wonder that accompanies the arrival of a baby, and the transformative power it holds for those who are fortunate enough to experience it.