I am sure we have all opened an old photo album, read a childhood diary, or smelled a familiar scent. These reflections bring back fond memories of simpler times. The feeling you experience after encountering these memories is called nostalgia, and it’s what my AP Seminar class has been focusing on lately. We have been discussing memory, dreams, and tradition.
Nostalgia is often defined as a sentimental longing or affection for the past, particularly for a time or place with which one has a personal connection. It is the emotional response we experience when something reminds us of a moment that feels safe, comforting, or significant. Nostalgia can be evoked by a wide array of things, including photos, songs, movies, fragrances, or even a place. Whether it’s a family vacation, a childhood home, or an old favorite song, nostalgia can take us on a journey back to that moment in time.
This universal appeal, or something anyone can relate to, is divided into two categories: saudade and anemoia.
Saudade is a Portuguese word that describes the feeling of longing for something you love but can never experience again. It’s a bittersweet type of nostalgia and a yearning for something lost, whether it’s a person, a place, or a time that has passed. Examples of saudade might include:
- The longing for a loved one who has passed away or moved far away.
- A childhood home that has been sold.
- The desire to relive a moment of your life that you can never recreate.
Anemoia, on the other hand, is the feeling of longing for something you have never experienced but feel a deep connection to. It is like a desire to live in a time or place from the past you have never experienced. Some examples of anemoia could be:
- A longing for the “good old days” of the 1960s or 1970s despite not having been alive during that time.
- A desire to experience a different culture or era, like the Renaissance or the Age of Exploration.
- The feeling of connection to the past through something like vintage clothing or an era of music, even though you were not alive when it was popular.
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about nostalgia is its history. Believe it or not, this emotion wasn’t always viewed as a natural part of the human experience. It was once diagnosed as a disease. The term “nostalgia” was first coined by the Swiss physician Johannes Hofer in 1688. He believed that soldiers, especially those fighting in foreign lands, suffered from a kind of melancholic illness caused by their overwhelming desire to return home. Hofer thought that this longing for the past could lead to physical and mental deterioration and even death. Back then, nostalgia was seen as a malady or something that weakened the body and mind. It’s crazy to think that something as universal and natural as nostalgia was once viewed with such medical alarm. Fast forward to today, and nostalgia is no longer seen as a disease. Instead, we recognize it as a deeply ingrained part of human nature, capable of bringing both joy and sorrow.
Why does nostalgia resonate so deeply with us? I think it’s because it connects us to who we are and where we’ve come from. It provides a bridge between our past and present, allowing us to reflect on what has shaped us throughout our lives. Whether it’s a favorite childhood TV show, a familiar song from high school, or a piece of clothing you always used to wear, nostalgia serves as a reminder of the moments and people that have left a lasting impact on our lives. In a world that’s constantly changing, nostalgia also offers a sense of comfort. It is a way to reconnect with parts of ourselves.
As my class continues to explore nostalgia, I’m beginning to see how complex this emotion really is. It’s not just about remembering the past; it’s about understanding how those memories shape our present. Whether it’s saudade, the aching for what’s gone, or anemoia, the longing for what we never knew, nostalgia teaches us that the past will always be with us, even if we can’t physically return to it. The most beautiful thing about nostalgia is it keeps the past alive, even as we move forward.
As I wrap up my reflection, I encourage you to take a moment to embrace your own nostalgia. Look at an old photo, listen to a favorite song, or visit a place that brings back memories. Feel that connection to the past, and let it remind you of who you are and where you’ve been. After all, nostalgia isn’t just about longing for what’s lost—it’s about celebrating what’s enduring.
Resources
Jarrett, Christian. “Anemoia: the psychology behind feeling nostalgic for a time you’ve never known.” Science Focus, BBC, 21 September 2023, https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/anemoia-nostalgia. Accessed 25 February 2025.
“Nostalgia – from cowbells to the meaning of life | BPS.” British Psychological Society, 3 January 2008, https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/nostalgia-cowbells-meaning-life. Accessed 25 February 2025.
“Portuguese Learning Community and Resources: Saudade, is it a word, a feeling, a way of living?” EU Academy, 10 March 2023, https://academy.europa.eu/mod/page/view.php?id=18599. Accessed 25 February 2025.
