querencia

Querencia is a metaphysical concept in the Spanish language. The term comes from the Spanish verb "querer," which means to want, to desire, and to love. The Spanish language dictionary El pequeno Larousse ilustrado (2006) defines it as 1. Inclinacion afectiva hacia alguien o algo. 2. Tendencia de las personas y los animales a volver al lugar en que se criaron. 3. Ese mismo lugar." [1.Emotional inclination toward someone or something. 2.Tendency in people and animals to return to the place where they grew up. 3 That place.] It has also been defined as "homing instinct, a favorite place." [See Larousse Gran Diccionario: Ingles-Espanol Espanol-Ingles.] Another connotation is the place where people feel most secure, gain the strength of their character and feel at home.