What is hygge and how do you pronounce it?
By Lisa January 11th, 2019
It’s 14 degrees outside and I’m looking out at a snowy landscape, drinking tea and writing a blog. It seems like the perfect time to delve into hygge and why it has taken the world by storm the last two years. In fact, in 2016 it was the runner up of “word of the year” in the UK (losing to “Brexit”).
The dictionary defines hygge as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”
An untold number of books have been written on the subject but like anytime you are trying to describe a feeling, the concept is flexible and hard to pin down. The most common attributes include relaxing in front of a fireplace, sipping on a warm beverage (tea, wine, coffee, brandy, etc.), hanging out with friends and family, and the liberal use of candles, blankets, and comfort food.
The definitive book (The Little Book of Hygge) on the subject is by Meik Wiking, who founded the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. He explains the heart behind the word this way:
‘Danes are aware of the decoupling between wealth and wellbeing. After our basic needs are met, more money doesn’t lead to more happiness and, instead, Danes are good at focusing on what brings them a better quality of life.’
Here are a few data points from the Denmark, a consistent top ranking country in The Happiest Countries in the World:
1. The Danes burn more candles per head than anywhere in Europe according th the European Candle Association.
2. Danish people eat around 22 pounds of pastries and cakes each year! Danish pastry, anyone?
3. Bicycling is huge in Denmark – we all know exercise releases endorphins (chemicals that trigger a positive feeling) and keeps those pastries off our hips and midsections!
4. Family and free time is highly valued in Denmark. Adopt the Danish work ethic by working intensely during the day and then go home and eat dinner with family and friends.
Although the US isn’t famous for its hygge approach to life, we do have several cities that rank high on the hygge o’meter. (https://www.bestplaces.net/docs/studies/americas_top_hygge_cities.aspx) Survey says:
America’s Top Hygge Cities
1. Seattle, WA
2. Portland, OR
3. Minneapolis, MN
4. Salt Lake City, UT
5. Denver, CO
6. Rochester, NY
7. Hartford, CT
8. Boston, MA
9. Cleveland, OH
10. Milwaukee, WI
Wiking advises: ‘Our language shapes our behaviour – and our behaviour shapes our happiness. Use the word! And to pronounce it correctly, follow this link:
