Hello Everyone!
By this point I would be impressed if you hadn't yet heard of the danish phenomenon that is Hygge. It's presence on social media has been ever increasing in late years and reaching greater audiences. For me, the practice and concept of Hygge, speaks greatly to me and is something that I have become quite passionate about lately. From spending hours reading (The Little Book of Hygge - Meik Wiking) and learning of the traditions and reasoning behind the idea, I have created my own little guide to Hygge, so that maybe you can join in the movement of Cosiness and Content too.
What is Hygge?
Hygge (pronounced Hoo-gah) is a quintessential part of Danish culture and is the idea of creating an atmosphere or feeling of content and happiness by surrounding one's self with cosiness and togetherness. The consideration of Hygge is apparent throughout all aspects of the Danish lifestyle, and can be integrated into your own through several small adjustments.
But why Hygge? Besides the obvious reasoning that it is supposed to illicit feelings of happiness and cosiness, you can argue that it is extremely effective as the Danes consistently top the World Happiness Rankings and have a very high standard of living. Primarily, does it not seem obviously a positive idea to surround one's self with the things and people we love?
How to Incorporate Hygge in your life:
1. Light -
If you ask people what they first think of when they think Hygge, many will say candles, fairylights and woodfires. The ambient warm glow of these lights bring warmth and memories of togetherness in times of darkness, and is possibly the easiest way of quickly bringing Hygge into your home. Pull out the Christmas lights, dim the lights and chat by candlelight.
2. Food and Drink -
Another great export of Denmark are the delicious varieties of cakes and pastries and these also play a part in creating the atmosphere of happiness. Hygge suggests that one should treat themselves with sweets and hot drinks to combat the cold weather of the winter, and as a result many jobs include specific morning breaks for just this, known as "Fika" (Hello namesake!). Furthermore, hearty stews, soups and bread scream comfort on cold nights to warm from the inside out. One of the most important aspects linking to food , is that it is best enjoyed with company, whether that be going out to a cafe with a friend, eating dinner as a family or even hosting dinner parties where everyone contributes to the meal, it is the company that makes the food the most Hygge.
3. Clothing -
Danish fashion is all about comfort and practicality. Due to the extreme winters, oversized cosy jumpers, thick socks and scarves and bobble hats are probably most associated with being Hygge, and tend to stay in fairly neutral colours, but really the idea is that you should feel warm, soft and free to move.
4. Home -
The home really is the heart of Hygge. It's where you light your candles, eat your dinners, get together with friends and so furnishing and decorating is all completed to provide maximum comfort. Warm colours and natural materials like wood are often highlighted to mimic the warm lights and atmospheric glow, as well as having lots of plants to bring the outside in and show life and growth within the home. Naturally, blankets, cushions and other soft furnishings add to the cosiness aspect and allow to fully relax.
5. Weather -
Whilst it can be practised year round it is evident that Autumn and Winter are the prime seasons, as the lack of light and the cold weather call greater for the need of light and warmth. Though, the weather is obviously something that personally you cannot change, knowing which weathers are best can help you increase the amount of things you do to optimise your Hygge experience. My favourite weathers are thunder storms (which are fairly common even in the British summertime!). The image and sound of the harsh winds and icy rain when one is safe and warm indoors, and the force of all the family together at home as they cannot leave in the storm, is the epitome of Hygge.
6. Togetherness -
As I've mentioned in almost every paragraph, the inclusion of friends and family in your Hygge activities is crucial. The love, laughs and stories between those you care for, really is the greatest source of happiness and comfort.
I hope this little guide to Hygge has helped you gain a greater understanding of the principles and moments that you can create in your own life, to bring comfort , content and togetherness. Happy Hyggeing!
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