Nostalgia: What is it and Why do we like it?

We’ve all experienced a little nostalgia at some point in our lives. You know, that bittersweet feeling you get when you hear a song from your high school prom, or when your mom decides to pull out your favorite stuffed animal that you used to sleep with every night from the attic? You feel a rush of emotions: some will be happy, and others will be sad, but ultimately, it takes you back to a time in your past that made an impact on you. Before you know it, you start to go back to that time, and suddenly the feeling of nostalgia sinks in.

What is Nostalgia?

Nostalgia is an interesting concept that has been studied ever since its creation. In 1688, a Swiss doctor named Johannes Hofer established the term based on his observations of Swiss soldiers that were stationed aboard. All the soldiers were depressed and tired. Hofer noticed they’d become angry so quickly and it was always suggested because they missed home. Therefore, Hofer established the term, nostalgia, which comes from two Greek compounds: nostos, which means, “return home,” and algos, which means “pain.” Return-home-pain is synonymous with homesickness.

How Nostalgia Works

Through cultural shifts, the term evolved and has adopted into a new meaning. As one can infer, nostalgia was not an emotion you wanted to feel back when it first started. It was considered a neurological disease that was associated with demons. During the 18th and 19 centuries, it carried over as a mentally repressive compulsive disorder.

Fast forward to the latter 20th century; we now seek the feeling of nostalgia! Backed by science, nostalgia was a feeling that children up to seven years old could experience, and it wasn’t bad for you. Experts started to realize that this sensation could be a good thing, and it was going to become a successful marketing hack that results in lots of fortune.

Why so much Nostalgia?

Have you ever noticed how the term, “throwback” became a recent trend in the marketing industry? #ThrowbackThursday is a form of nostalgia marketing. Nostalgia marketing is defined as a form of marketing that uses themes, products, and concepts from the past to create an unusual, yet satisfying emotional feeling in customers today.

When your favorite childhood cartoons are implemented in present-day commercials, the intention is to feel nostalgic. Scientists and marketers discovered that bringing the good ole’ days back wasn’t hurting anyone; rather, it was building a sense of sentimental value to present-day products and companies.

It doesn’t get more Nostalgic than Vilder’s

We all need to experience a little nostalgia every now and then. Vilder’s is the perfect place to get your fix! View our classic product line here, and feel the memories begin to rush in. You can never get enough fun out of a whoopee cushion or a slinky! We live for the sensation nostalgia brings. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come as a society, but keeps us grounded in the simple things in life. After all, who would’ve thought the yo-yo could be so enjoyable? Experience your childhood all over again and come stop by, we’d love to entertain you for awhile!