Originally a word used by poets of 15th century Portugal, saudade does not
have an English translation. Words like nostalgia, yearning, or emptiness seem
to fail to capture its meaning. It is often a melancholic state, a feeling of
incompleteness and reflection due to the abscene of someone or something.
Author A.F.G. Bell describes the word as "a vague
and constant desire for something that does not and probably
cannot exist, for something other than the present, a turning towards the past
or towards the future; not an active discontent or poignant sadness but an
indolent dreaming wistfulness."
This word was often used to describe the feelings of sailors in the 15th century who
took to ships that traveled to Africa and Asia from Portugal. And in
reciprocation, the families of the travelers too could evoke their emotions
through this same word.
have an English translation. Words like nostalgia, yearning, or emptiness seem
to fail to capture its meaning. It is often a melancholic state, a feeling of
incompleteness and reflection due to the abscene of someone or something.
Author A.F.G. Bell describes the word as "a vague
and constant desire for something that does not and probably
cannot exist, for something other than the present, a turning towards the past
or towards the future; not an active discontent or poignant sadness but an
indolent dreaming wistfulness."
This word was often used to describe the feelings of sailors in the 15th century who
took to ships that traveled to Africa and Asia from Portugal. And in
reciprocation, the families of the travelers too could evoke their emotions
through this same word.