Hygge for dummies

Hygge - this Danish word sounds funny. What does it mean? On the one hand, it is a capability to appreciate small good things in our life and enjoy the moment. On the other hand, Hygge is a state of mind, and it cannot be translated into "being cozy," even though that is the closest English word. Quite tricky. Okay, let's look at this from another angle, for instance, the budget. It has to be moderate enough because the closer one is to luxury and glamour, the further he's been from Hygge. 

By the way, Hygge can be added to any Danish word. For example, Friday night is a time for familiehygge,  and cozy woolen socks are hyggesokker. 

 Image: Cotton Pastel Soap by Woods and Mosses

According to Meik Wiking, CEO of Happiness Research Institute, the word Hygge is created not to be written, but emotionally experienced. 

Every person in Denmark knows the song Svante’s Happy Day written by famous singer Benny Andersen in 1972. The song's lyrics delicately describe what it is like to be Danish:

Look, what a morning!

The sun is red and round

Nina is taken a shower

I am eating bread with cheese

Life is not the worst you've got

As soon the coffee's hot

• What are the most specific Hygge's attributes?

Hygge taste - familiar, pleasant, comforting. Honey tea, iced cake, meat course with wine or favorite seasoning. 

Hygge sound is always discreet, like crackling fireplace burning sounds. Or any sounds that we can hear only in silence: the music of rain on the window ledge, outside wind noise, underbrush rustling, squeaking of the floor.

Hygge smell is any smell that could bring you back to the past, where you were good, comfortable, and safe.

Hygge touching is pleasant when fingering velvety surface, heating hands holding a hot mug, and passing a hand over an old wooden table. 

Hygge visual - looking at pastel natural colors, watching any slow act of nature like dancing flame of fire, falling snow, scattering rainy drops. 

In summary, Hygge is like Nordic zen.

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Images: @stellarose, Toa Heftiba, @woodsandmosses