It’s September right now. What is it like in your part of the world? (If you’re anywhere in the Eastern Hemisphere, do please let me know-I want to know what the smells and sounds and expectations are. I’m trying to imagine the Autumn and Winter months).
Here in the States, we are entering cooler months. The temperature drops in most places, especially north, and with it, our thoughts turn towards Autumn, or as we have shortened it (like so many words in the English language), Fall. The colors of the trees change to yellows and browns and reds. 🍂Harvests come forth in full glory, with pumpkins and apples being some of the most popular!
As I was trying to think of a way to wrap the feeling you get into words, I realized English-speaking countries, not having a truly comprehensive word for it, have done what every language (except maybe Finnish, right?) does-and borrowed a word for this. We have popularized the Norwegian word, hygge. (hoo-gah, or heu-gah). So, maybe you know this one well, but if you have never heard this word before, we are going to break it down!
The Meaning of Hygge Worldwide
I had SO much fun researching this! Not only that, but some of our friends were recently visited by Danish relatives (how fun is that!), and I found out that in Denmark, what’s a hip, trendy word here in America (anywhere else?), is just a way of life there. It’s been fully embraced in Denmark. I find that oddly comforting; like, in a generation or two, our culture may be as familiar with this concept as it’s trendy right now.
So, the closest English word we have for it is “cosy” (nod to my British friends!) or “cozy”. Other cultures have it, too:
- Germans call it gemutlichkeit (coziness, unhurried, peace of mind-from Gemüt, the mind/feeling/heart/temper)
- The Dutch call it gezellig (indicating a pleasant ambiance, being sociable, or pleasant), or gezelligheid (conviviality)
- Japan has something similar, as well; you might say it as mattari (full-bodied, rich, laid back).
- I also got to thinking of the Israeli word used (like “Aloha”🌸 in Hawaii) as a hello and goodbye: “shalom”. The Bible often translates it as “peace” but it indicates wholeness, harmony, tranquility, wellness and soundness. It would indicate a solidness and peacefulness to a whole person; spirit, soul, body, as well as their circumstances and relationships (that’s about as much as I understand of it right now!). That’s such a good thing to have, isn’t it? Sounds pretty hygge to me!
So, in some cultures, it’s a normal thing. It can include your surroundings or the people with you. It’s a sense of wellness, wholeness, and soundness. It’s what gives you that certain feelin of delight and contentment. So, it could be the food, the décor, the company you’re keeping (which is sometimes a cat!). It could be in warm places or cold ones. I would guess that although we have a lot of things in common, ‘whole-hygge-ness” is as unique as the person enjoying it!
Varieties Of Hygge
Lots and lots of things could contribute to this special feeling and mindset of hygge. Maybe being in your own home. Maybe being outside. Having a candle, a warm cup of tea🍵, or sitting by a brook. Your surroundings and activities definitely play a role here. But, what about your attitude? If you’re grumpy and complaining, you could be in the most hygge-iest of surroundings and not even appreciate it! So, try gratitude on if you are having trouble finding hygge!
I’d also recommend slowing down. You’ll notice that several cultures’ idea of hygge involves an appreciation of people and surroundings; which is hard to do if you’re going too fast! There is certainly a time and place for going quickly and being efficient. But if you’re great at that, try slowing down and utilizing that efficiency to make space for some hygge in your life!
I also thought a lot about a favorite topic of mine, hospitality. In fact, I love it so much, that one of my earliest articles was on that very topic; find it here! Anyway, if being with loved ones, and your decor are so popular in connection with hygge, hospitality is right up there. How can you extend hygge to your guests? What makes them at ease, or delighted to be with you? I have found, that if I can assure them that I am happy that they are with me and in my home, it can go a long way to comforting people that I truly do mean to be hospitable-and hopefully, contributes to both of us enjoying hygge!
As I read about this concept, I also realized that although my ideas tend to center around a warm fire, fuzzy blankets, maybe a candle and a book…this could be done in summertime or spring or anytime. Going out with friends to a movie; walking your dog in cherry tree-lined avenues (something I want to do someday!); walking in botanical gardens…the possibilities are endless, really!
Why Does It Matter?
I hope you know why it would matter, but I wanted to at least point this out. I think it’s a little like, whatever refreshes your soul. And why wouldn’t that be important? Some people are so great at finding ways to just enjoy life, and some of us-well, we might be the people who like to get things done, as I mentioned earlier. I’ve been discovering more and more, however, that those things really need to run hand-in-hand; you’ll burn out if you never take care of yourself (yikes!). And, as much as the slower ones of us might enjoy the relaxing, the enjoyment, let’s face it: it’s got to be balanced with purpose, with accomplishment, with the joy of knowing you achieved something. And the quiet times can be the fuel for the rest. In other words, being and doing are both important!
For a blog called “home life purpose”, I feel like this concept of hygge is going to be a central one that I keep coming back to! What better way to enjoy your home and the loved ones in it than figuring out what hygge means to you?
So, please do tell me in the comments or in an email below, your thoughts on hygge. Have you been to-or are you a native of- Denmark or Norway? How about another culture or part of the world? Do you have personal or family concepts for this that are your go-to’s? What’s the most hygge thing in your life? Let me know in the comments below!
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gezelligheid
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygge
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E3%81%BE%E3%81%A3%E3%81%9F%E3%82%8A
https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/highlights/hygge/what-hygge