What is nostalgia?

Nostalgia is when you get a feeling of sentimental longing for the past, typically associated with a place, smell or sound. It reminds you of the good times you had and brings back old memories, feelings and connections you may of made with something or someone, in your childhood. The word nostalgia comes from the formation of the Greek compound consisting of νόστος (nóstos), meaning “homecoming” and a  Homeric word, and ἄλγος (álgos), meaning “sorrow”. In the 17th century, the word was coined by the by the Swiss physician Johannes Hofer to display the symptoms of anxieties shown by Swiss mercenaries.

An example where many people feel nostalgic is when they are looking back on old photos, it can help individuals visualise their memories and look back on the ‘good ol’ days’. People also feel nostalgic listening to music, possibly on a plane going back home. Songs will link back to certain events that have happened in peoples lives and bring back the memories and feelings they felt.