Understanding Nostalgia: Definition, Meaning & Impact

Nostalgic is a adjective describing the longing desire to go back to a sentimental place, time, or to be in a person&'s company who was once a source of comfort and happiness long ago.

Identification

• Nostalgia can be a mental journey to the past, or it can be a strong yearning to physically visit the place of lasting memories.

Considerations

• Nostalgic thoughts usually visualize the past in its most ideal form--the happiest faces, the warmest sunshine, and other pleasant characteristics.

Fun Fact

• Nostalgia comes from the Greek words, nostos and algos. Nostos means "going home," and algos means "pain."

Effects

• To be nostalgic is akin to being physically restricted and then feeling and worrying that you will never be able to return home.

History

• Nostalgia was first formed as a word in 1688 by Johannes Hofer. This Swiss doctor defined it as a condition of being homesick, something that was often experienced by traveling Swiss mercenaries.