Why Vintage is IN and It Feels So Good
The “old” is “new” again, and couldn’t come at a better time. In a world full of uncertainty, finding small comforts is becoming a big deal, because the nostalgia factor helps us remember things like life in a simpler time, or it reminds us of who we are. In that way, it plays a role in shaping our identity and reconciling past, present, and future selves. But nostalgia also helps us stay connected to others in a very sweet and sincere way, and helps to bridge the gap between cultures and aids in creating community. In a time of increasing isolation and digital empires, community is a necessary part of providing care. It’s pretty easy to form a connection with someone who loves the original Star Wars movies as much as you do, or shares your obsession with vinyl, or dressed up as She-Ra every Halloween like you did.
The search for vintage items can be exhilarating and bittersweet because of this, however. The etymology of “nostalgia” is rooted in Greek (later translated through Latin and German) and generally means “acute homesickness” (“nostos” translates to “return”, and “algos” means “pain”). Therefore, it is a paradox of yearning for something mixed with the feeling of loss. But did you know that it can also make you feel good or even happy by releasing the feel-good hormone dopamine? Recent research has suggested that nostalgia can also help us boost our self-esteem and stay authentic to ourselves (rather than conforming to the current trends or external expectations). Evoking nostalgia can also help lower prejudices to what we consider “out-groups”, such as a different age or ethnicity, because it increases the quality of connection we share with others.
At the Curious Crow Company, when we receive inventory to check in, we often fall into a nostalgic spell while unveiling the original Pound Puppies plushies for example; or smelling the Dungeons and Dragons Endless Quest books; or when we’re remembering the hours spent playing the SNES Super Mario World game. We share these memories of the past with each other and then we are planning for the future...like how we can’t wait to introduce our kids to some of these experiences, or how our brick-and-mortar store will feel when you walk in the door and see some of these things for the first time.
Starting your own collection is a great exercise in gathering nostalgic memories, and that’s what we try to offer on our online store - and, coming soon!- in person: an accessible gathering place for people who love the geek life, collect vintage things, enjoy a tasty beverage, and engage in some extraordinary events. Good luck in your search and stay curious, friends.