In February, many countries celebrate carnival. It is a traditional and popular celebration that has the symbolic goal of releasing the tension accumulated in the darkness of winter and preparing for a joyful welcome of spring, life, and light.
In ancient times, such celebrations were dedicated to the god Dionysus or Bacchus (Bacchanalia) and Saturn (Saturnalia), and they were a kind of farewell to winter because it was believed that soon after, Dionysus and winter would leave so that Apollo, the god of light, could come and bring new life and spring.
One of the most important characteristics of these festivities was the overwhelming joy, unrestrained dancing, and above all, laughter and cheerful laughter because of the new, renewed life that is coming.
We all know that laughter relieves tension, anxiety, and nurtures positive emotions. Laughter humanizes us and allows us to open communication channels, surpassing difficulties. Laughter builds bridges of joy among people and purifies human relationships, “opening” our energy flow so that we can be positive+
We haven’t received the messages that we exchange with others.
Current medical research attributes laughter to very positive effects on health and overall well-being, because among other things, it releases a biochemical compound known as endorphins or “happiness hormone”.
Laughter is generally associated with joy, happiness, and good mood, and it represents an excellent mechanism of social communication. This is because we laugh not only because of happiness or joy, but also because there is at least one other person to whom we can transmit a message openly, sincerely, and without hesitation. Studies have shown that we laugh up to thirty times more in the company of others than when we are alone. We need one or more other people to laugh together.
Laughter is an innate form of communication closely linked to speech. The triggering mechanism of laughter is based on breathing and occurs through interruptions of exhalation. The same mechanism is used for speech, with the difference that in laughter it is used in a semi-conscious manner.
Recently, a group has not received the messages we exchange with others.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, led by Professor Robin Dunbar, has scientifically proven that laughter is an excellent analgesic that significantly increases the pain tolerance level. It is not enough to just have a simple smile, a quiet chuckle, or nervous giggles; genuine laughter is necessary in order for our body to start releasing certain biochemical compounds known as endorphins, which act as a natural pain reliever.
It seems that the endorphins produced by laughter not only alleviate pain and induce euphoria, but also influence people to become more inclined towards forming connections, gathering, and working in teams, and therefore, acting with greater generosity. Laughter is also an instrument for changing others’ behavior: in tense situations, such as an argument, laughter represents a gesture of reconciliation that reduces and dissipates tension and anger.
From a medical perspective, we can mention the following additional beneficial effects of laughter:
Regarding laughter as a philosophical concept, Aristotle has already spoken about it. In his second book of Poetics, dedicated to comedy, laughter, humor, and iambic poetry as effective conveyors of truth and catalysts of “catharsis” or emotional purification.
In that book, lost in the Middle Ages, the Greek philosopher defended comedy and humor as effective means of questioning established dogmas and liberating the human psyche from the pressures of dogmas, laws, and everything “serious” that these things imply in a “civilized society”.
It is believed that the medieval debate known as Tractatus Coislinianus, dating from the 10th century, contains a summary of that lost second book of Aristotle’s Poetics. It is a manuscript that presents a theory of comedy in accordance with the tradition of Aristotelian poetics.
The debate argues that comedy evokes laughter and pleasure, and therefore also emotional purification (catharsis) that consciously or unconsciously “censors” the environment (social status). It describes the means used and the way in which catharsis can be achieved. Laughter needs to have an ethical-philosophical foundation in order for us to laugh with others, and not at others. Laughter in society is a crucial factor that enhances group unity and team spirit.
Laughter and good mood will certainly help us give life a happier, healthier, and more humane significance, which will help us move away from routine and gray mechanization.
In short, laughter drives away and reduces problems, helping us in a very positive way to deal with the difficulties of everyday life, with good mood and optimism. Let’s learn to laugh from the heart then. Laughter is like a vitamin that provides good health to the soul.