What do you call the objects that make you remember other things or that you keep to remember a moment or a place? I mean souvenirs, photographs, etc.
-
8souvenir is fine (as you used already); so is a memento. – alwayslearning Nov 28 '16 at 17:40
-
4And, on a different level, there's "madeleine". – Hot Licks Nov 28 '16 at 19:04
-
memento makes me remember Ragnarok Online.. oh the coincidence – 4 Leave Cover Nov 29 '16 at 2:49
-
a couple of references: for madeleine, see Proust's novels. For memento, see the homonym film – Ciprian Tomoiagă Nov 29 '16 at 10:58
-
1Related: Things saving the memory of gone people — are called? – herisson Nov 29 '16 at 12:19
Memento
noun
- an object or item that serves to remind one of a person, past event, etc.; keepsake; souvenir.
- anything serving as a reminder or warning.
Example:
They offered tea, a smoke, and an Egyptian flag as a memento.
Definition №1 is probably most relevant here, even using the word you mention.
-
1It's also worth noting (considering the title of this question) that memento means remember in Latin (imperative of meminisse). (Etymonline) – Kyle Nov 30 '16 at 1:02
-
@Kyle Which afaik probably comes from the greek verb "memnèmai" (used in the word "mnemotechnic") – Pierre Arlaud Nov 30 '16 at 10:19
A little old-fashioned, but still perfectly good, and in my opinion, rather charming:
something that helps you remember a person, place, or occasion: Her aunt gave her a little wooden elephant as a keepsake.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
I think this fits very well with the question (something that you keep to remember a moment or a place).
Memory Trigger
It is a rather self-explanatory answer and to those who doubt it, this phrase is used: Ngrams
Those who were given the cassis smell remembered more details about the film and found their memories more unpleasant and arousing than those who had the background music as a memory trigger, although the lights and the smell were equally effective.
This would be used in a more scientific context and suggests a more official usage rather than a memento — a more homely item that you would keep on your mantelpiece.
-
I believe a memory trigger works more on a physical level, I've mostly heard it connected with smell, which uses some pathways in the brain to bring back even memories we almost forgot we had. – The Vee Nov 29 '16 at 11:45
aide-memoire.
1.An aid to the memory, especially a book or document.
Example sentences.
‘His hundreds of sketchbooks were invaluable aide-memoire, and he kept them well organized so he could quickly locate what he wanted.’
‘These photos later served as aides-memoires for the large decorative panels.’.
Origin.
Mid 19th century: from French aide-mémoire, from aider to help and mémoire memory. — O-D
Not quite what you're looking for, I think, but if it's remembering a moment or place in the sense of memorising facts, you may consider
mnemonic
noun
- a system such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations which assists in remembering something.
-
-
2@HotLicks Should auld acquaintance be forgot, for the lack of Mnemosyne... ;) – Graham Nov 29 '16 at 13:12
If the object doesn't evoke a memory personal to the owner, memorabilia might be a good term.
mem·o·ra·bil·i·a (mem(ə)rəˈbilēə)
noun
objects kept or collected because of their historical interest, especially those associated with memorable people or events.
"World Series memorabilia"
archaic - memorable or noteworthy things.
-
@choster You're absolutely right. I'll add the source. And thanks for the links. – Justin Hammar Dec 4 '16 at 17:05
It could be called a mnemonic object which the "Memory Techniques Wiki" explains in more detail:
The "mnemonic object" method is based on the Von Restorff Effect, which says that items that stand out are more easily remembered. By placing a familiar object in an unfamiliar context, you can intentionally trigger the recall of a memory when that out-of-place object is seen again.
In Italian, we like to say "ricordo" (another word for a souvenir or momento) or the more commonly used word, "bombiniere" (a keepsake given at celebrations).
Hope this helps :)
Sources: http://mt.artofmemory.com/wiki/How_to_Remember_Things_with_a_Mnemonic_Object https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ricordo#Italian http://mt.artofmemory.com/wiki/How_to_Remember_Things_with_a_Mnemonic_Object
a. The act or process of remembering.
b. The state of being remembered: holds him in fond remembrance.- Something serving to celebrate or honor the memory of a person or event; a memorial.
- The length of time over which one's memory extends: events within my remembrance.
- Something remembered; a reminiscence.
- A souvenir.
- remembrances Greetings: Please give my remembrances to your mother.
Alternatively:
- something that recalls the past
- a note to remind a person of something not done