The definition and meaning of Pura Vida, the beautiful national expression of Costa Rica

The most commonly used phrase in Costa Rica is Pura Vida.  Everything in Costa Rica is Pura Vida!  The simple translation is Pura Life; but the saying has a far more profound meaning to people of Costa Rica, and the travelers who fall in love with this majestic country.                                                                                                

The first time I was explained the meaning of Pura Vida, I was enjoying dinner with one of my new friends Sage at Bruno’s restaurant in Tamarindo.  Sage lived in Costa Rica a couple months each year to teach surf lessons at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp; he spoke Spanish fluently and was familiar with the local customs and lingo.    Sage, “Pura Vida was first explained to me like this”, ‘Only here for a short time, so spread some cheer; and then your gone’.  This ungrammatically correct sentence immediately struck a chord in my heart.  The bank tellers, the restaurant servers, street vendors will all greet you with this saying; as well as say good-bye.  In my short stay, a month that flew by, I couldn’t hear or say this beautiful statement enough.  I was simply a Pura Vida addict.  Pure Life; how simple and wonderful of a statement to live by.          

 The all knowing wikipedia has the following translation.  Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah), used by Costa Ricans since 1956, literally translated means “Pure Life.” Contextually, it means “Full of Life” “Purified life”, “This is living!”, “Going great!” It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction. The phrase has become widely known in the USA and Europe. Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time and wanton friendliness. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune, whether small or large.                                                                                                                                                       Origins of the word ‘Pura Vida’ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Costa_Rica                                                                       

I was curious to find out the exact origins of the word, and I googled upon this article about it’s origin by Tony Cousins.  “Indeed, the most credible origin of the word is that it developed from the interaction between the surfing pioneers of the mid 1950’s and the local Costa Ricans (or Ticos) they encountered.   Whatever it’s beginnings there is no doubting that it has become part of the vernacular and Costa Ricans claim it to belong to pachuco, a slang or common speech somewhat removed from Spanish and very particular to Ticos. Used as a greeting, a goodbye, sometimes as an agreement, this versatile phrase, often shortened to a brief pura, signifies something deeper to Costa Ricans. It embodies a philosophy in which communal ties are strong and close; difficulties are overcome with a resilient and happy spirit, where life is enjoyed leisurely and to the full, and where fortune of whatever size is heartily celebrated.” http://www.costaricaholiday.co.uk/News/Pura.htm                                                                             

If you have never been to Costa Rica, you may hear this statement, but you will never feel this statement: not until you’re relaxing on the beach watching the sunset and feeling content that everyone who walks by gives you the acknowledgement of a smile, nod, or a Pura Vida.  That is one little thing that I will always miss about Costa Rica, and may never understand about North America, the simple hello’s from people passing by.  We’re all here on this earth together as one human race.  So please spread some Pura Vida and cheer before you’re gone and bring some joy to the lives of others.  Even a simple hello can bring light to a gloomy soul.  One love and Pura Vida forever…