Last update: 01 September, 2016
The inhabitants of Denmark are happier than those of any other country. Because? We can answer this question with one word: "Hygge". This is an untranslatable word in our language, but we can explain it: Hygge is about personal well-being, sharing with loved ones, and attachment to one's home.
Who doesn't like to stay indoors in cold weather, have coffee with their partner or children or read a book while having a nice cup of hot tea? It would be monotonous if we did it every day, but repeating these actions with some diligence can undoubtedly bring us closer to happiness.
Perhaps you could argue that it is not very cold these days. However, you can substitute the blanket and the sofa for that terrace or that walk where words and company have more value than the steps taken. One way or another, I'm sure you understand the idea and can think of ways to incorporate this very original Danish word into your life.
Feeling good and comfortable to be happy
When people of Denmark are asked about the definition of “Hygge” (a local word that has no translation in any language) they say that it is what makes them happy. Hygge is more a way of being, a way of life, it is looking for the most welcoming place in the house, spending time with loved ones and leaving aside duties. This is why this Scandinavian country is considered the best to live in, despite the adverse winter conditions.
During the very cold months, Danes spend most of the day in their homes (they only have 4 hours of light a day) and for this reason they give great importance to the decor of their home, the comfort of the furniture and the living spaces. They also pay close attention to the activities that take place inside the house: reading, watching a movie, talking, cooking, playing, learning… and above all sharing with the family.
Intimate places, guaranteed happiness
The minimalist style is not “allowed” in Denmark, because it reduces the feeling of comfort or the feeling of protection and closeness. For this reason, for the furnishings they use warm colors such as orange or red, they buy raw wood furniture and accessories or objects that are useful.
The intimacy of spaces or environments is also related to their lighting. Even in the evening they prefer to use candles or light colored lamps, as well as fire to warm themselves or to illuminate the room. No white or too powerful bulbs.
The fabrics chosen deserve a separate mention, not only for the clothes, but also for the carpets, curtains or bedspreads and sofa covers. They are thick, in warm and comfortable colors.
For the Danes all of this is synonymous with happiness. And it does not mean resigning yourself to staying at home ... rather it is about feeling good in your own home when there is no possibility to go out. or even when the weather would allow it!
Is the concept of “Hygge” valid for everyone?
This Danish “model of happiness” has been exported to other parts of the world. Because even in cities far from the cold people have begun to realize that spending time at home with family and friends, having a coffee, a beer or eating an ice cream and doing something we like, feels really good.
One thing to keep in mind is that it does “Hygge” is not only related to winter, although in Denmark it is a very long season. It can also be applied in the hot summer months and anywhere in the world. Because? Because it is about a lifestyle and feeling good, it has nothing to do with the climate, even if in a sense that is where it comes from.
In Helen Russell's book "The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country", the experience of one foreigner living according to this word for the first time. The author states that Hygge means being good to ourselves, not denying ourselves "the things we like", not chastising ourselves, seeking those moments of happiness found in the little things: a piece of chocolate, an episode of our favorite TV series, a book that we like, a little music and the warmth of a hug.
If we stop to think about these "little things", we will realize what are the things that make us feel good and be happy. Everything else is accessory and worldly: the true feeling of well-being does not reside in a full closet or in a trendy machine, rather it lies in sharing our time with the people we love, doing the things that make us feel good. . This means living the Hygge!
