The word “melancholic” comes from the Greek word “μελαγχολία” (melankholia), which is derived from “μέλας” (melas), meaning “black,” and “χολή” (cholē), meaning “bile.”
In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that an excess of black bile caused melancholy or sadness. This theory of the four humors – blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile – was a popular belief in medicine and philosophy during the ancient and medieval periods.
Today, the term “melancholic” is used to describe a person who is typically sad or depressed, often in a deep and prolonged way. It can also refer to a mood or atmosphere that is characterized by sadness or gloominess.
In literature and the arts, melancholy has been associated with a range of emotions and themes, including introspection, longing, and nostalgia. Some of the most famous works of art and literature, such as the poetry of John Keats and the paintings of Caspar David Friedrich, are known for their melancholic themes and mood.
