Nostalgia

Nostalgia is a sentimentality for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. The word nostalgia is learned formation of a Greek compound, consisting of νόστος (nóstos), meaning "homecoming", a Homeric word, and ἄλγος (álgos), meaning "pain" or "ache", and was coined by a 17th-century medical student to describe the anxieties displayed by Swiss mercenaries fighting away from home. Described as a medical condition—a form of melancholy—in the Early Modern period, it became an important trope in Romanticism.

Etymology

"Nostalgia" is a compound of two Greek words, νόστος, nóstos, "returning home", and ἄλγος, álgos, "pain, ache". It was described as a medical condition, a form of melancholy, in the Early Modern period, and came to be an important trope in Romanticism.

Historical perspectives

Nostalgia was considered a medical disease during the Romantic era and was related to the concept of homesickness. It was also associated with the Swiss, who were thought to be particularly prone to nostalgia due to their mountainous homeland.

Modern perspectives

In modern times, nostalgia is often looked upon more favorably, seen as a coping mechanism and a way to create personal historical narratives. However, it can also lead to a less-than-accurate representation of the past and can perpetuate stereotypes or biases.

See also

• Homesickness
• Melancholy
• Romanticism
• Coping mechanisms
• Historical narratives

References

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