Investing in Personal Happiness with Hygge, the Art of Happy Living
The concept of hygge began to shine brighter with the popularization of Danish TV series and Scandinavian books and the appetite for Scandinavian cuisine. It continues to be a source of inspiration for many articles and books in recent years. Finally, in 2017, the Danish term “Hygge” was added to the Oxford Dictionary.
Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and Hygge certainly plays a part in that happiness. So, what exactly is Hygge?
a warm feeling
Explaining the term hygge (hooga) is as difficult as pronouncing it. Hygge is about taking time away from the daily hustle and bustle to relax and enjoy the quieter sides of life, with people you care about, and sometimes even on your own. The word hygge, at least in its current sense, dates back to the 1800s. However, various definitions of Hygge date back to the Middle Ages, when a similar Old Norse word meant “protection from the outside world.”
Hygge is often about spending time with family or close friends. The environments that can be found in this trend can be homes, quiet places or a picnic in the summer months. In this environment where the agenda is never discussed, you can celebrate the little joys that life brings you or discuss deeper issues about life. This can be an opportunity to unwind and slow things down a bit.
Why is Hygge a part of Danish life?
The cold, dark and rainy climate that exists for the longest parts of the year encourages Danes to spend time with family and friends indoors. Winter, in particular, is considered the most important time for Hygge.
Of course, other factors are also involved. Hygge reflects the values of Danish society, such as equality and living in prosperity. This peaceful atmosphere is not disturbed because no one wants to ruin this positive atmosphere.
While Hygge may seem like an extremely enjoyable philosophy, it is a non-inclusive philosophy for newcomers to Denmark because it encourages practitioners to cluster. Therefore, Hygge environments can be difficult for outsiders to access.
Popular culture and Hygge
Designers have moved quickly to capitalize on the Hygge phenomenon. Mostly used in books and household items, Hygge is increasingly incorporated into our lives with soft blankets and soothing candles. For example, the natural and soft sweater-style clothes worn by actress Sofie Gråbøl in the Danish TV series The Killing are also seen as prominent elements of the Hygge philosophy.
With the 2017 New York Times bestselling book “The Little Book of Hygge,” the term reached an international audience, and Google searches for “Hygge” in the United States peaked that December, according to Google Trends data. On Instagram, people started sharing blankets, candles, steaming coffee mugs and thick knit socks with the hashtag #hygge. In fact, in 2018, the famous Broadway musical Frozen debuted with a song called “Hygge.”
You may be surprised, but there is even a Hygge Board Game sold by Hygge Games designed to spark relaxed conversation. Paddywax, a candle company, sells a Hygge Candle Collection with scents like cedar and rosewood.
Summer and Hygge
Who said Hygge couldn’t be practiced in summer? Barbecues in the backyard or in the park, bonfires, ice creams eaten along the beach and a pleasant conversation accompanied by fragrant strawberries are among the must-haves of the Hygge philosophy in summer.
Other suggested ways for Hygge are; It can be summarized as relaxing music, a cup of tea under a soft blanket, a pleasant book or just enjoying a quiet solitude.
