Word Nerd is a bit late this week due to a few technical and migraine related issues ~ Thank You so much for your patience!
Paracosm is a detailed imaginary world that is created in one’s mind. Paracosm derives from the Ancient Greek terms παρά (para (beside, alongside)) and κόσμος ((k)cosmos (world, universe)). A paracosm is often created by children and it is usually a highly detailed and involved world that seems very real to the creator. Paracosms commonly have their own geography, history, and language and are populated by various beings.
Paracosms are amazingly fascinating, especially if one considers the various well-known ones. Examples of paracosms include the Bronte’s world of Gondal, Lewis Carrol’s Wonderland and L. Frank Baum‘s Oz. One must ask why it is that paracosms are often ascribed to children when adults are usually just as keen to explore and create lush imaginary worlds. I suppose it is due to the active discouragement adults receive when it comes to play and imagination – it’s simply looked down upon and so whatever paracosms existed are usually left to fade away. It’s a real shame, however many find ways around this – I mean aren’t fandoms just more accepted versions of a paracosm? It’s just instead of actively creating one participates in another’s more worldly paracosm, but it’s still play and still fun and that’s what matters!
I slide away from time and space/ enter a world of my own pace./ It’s here I can embrace it all/ Heaven, Hell are mine to enthrall./ Just underneath my earthly shell/ this universe does live and dwell./ My pulse beats with the joy both give/ yet nobody suspects the duality I live./ Oh yes, my life is rich and full/ and live in the moment I do well./ But when I chance to slip away/ It’s to this place I go to play./ They known me here./ and I know them./ We tie together and with both I spin/ My life and my own paracosm… ~ Ella
I never quite understood that most adults (at least that I’m aware of) don’t have a paracosm of their own. That it’s considered a childish thing and one that is usually discouraged once one “grows-up”. I just figured that everyone had an inner world that was as real as this one, just unique unto them. Perhaps it’s the artist in me that simply refused to leave my paracosm behind me (though it have changed and grown just as I have). What do you think of paracosms and do you have one of your own?
Namaste ~ Ella
*Check out the Word Nerd Index and my Word Nerd Pinterest Board for other superb words!
** If there’s a word you’d like to see added to the Word Nerd roster, please feel free to contact me or suggest it in the comments – I love feedback and recommendations!
Lawhimsy 