What is 'Hygge'? (2024)

FAQs

What is a hygge lifestyle? ›

Hard to pronounce, hygge ("hooga") is difficult to explain, too. In brief, hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures. The word hygge dates back to around 1800, at least in the meaning it has today.

Other examples of Hygge might be; taking a walk in nature, relishing in a long, hot bath, or perhaps doing some gardening. It can be as simple as making a pot of your favorite herbal tea and relishing every step of the process. It's whatever delights or comforts you.

Hygge is a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. It's also often used as an adjective meaning "cozy or comfortable."

/ˈhʊɡ.ə/ having the quality of cosiness (= feeling warm, comfortable, and safe): Even a picnic in the park can be very hygge, when done in the Danish way. Comfortable and uncomfortable.

"Hygge" in both Danish and Norwegian means "coziness," and is derived ultimately from Old Norse. As a concept and cultural practice, hygge became popular in Denmark in the 19th century as a celebration of comfortable conviviality during the long, dark Scandinavian winters, Wiking says.

The Scandinavian term encompasses a feeling of coziness, contentment, and well-being found through cherishing the little things. The Danish concept of hygge, or hyggelig (adj.), refers to finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in simple, soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere or the feeling of friendship.

(Speaking of Vikings, the Danish word that means the opposite of hygge is uhygge, a feeling of unease or fright.)

Hygge is all about creating a sense of contentment and coziness. This can be achieved by incorporating plush textures, greenery, and warm, neutral shades into your environment. From reading a great book to lighting a candle and sipping hot cocoa, there are many ways to enjoy the hygge experience!

Key Elements of Hygge Design

A combination of flickering candles and ambient lighting gives the space an inviting glow. Even better, a crackling fireplace adds the right amount of ambience and provides warmth on chilly evenings. Hygge spaces are relaxed and pared-down, so it's best to minimize any distracting items.

The y in hygge doesn't exist in English. In American English you can pronounce this “hoo-guh” or “hew-guh”, depending on where you are.

What are the ten principles of hygge? ›

Meik Wiking, author of "The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well", shares the ten principles of the Hygge Manifesto: Atmosphere, Presence, Pleasure, Equality, Gratitude, Harmony, Comfort, Truce, Togetherness and, finally, Shelter. Danes are considered the happiest people on the planet.

Mysa, The Swedish Hygge

It's very similar to hygge, and we Swedes love to mysa. Mysa translates to English as “cozy”, but it is more than that. It involves being relaxed, taking time out from stress and musts, spending time with friends, and being in the moment, enjoying it with all your senses.

Coziness is key when it comes to hygge decor. One way to do this is by decorating with fluffy pillows and soft comforters. Snuggle up on the couch with layers of blankets and pillows for a warm place to unwind. You can also do this by creating cozy nooks like a window bench or love seat.

Elements of hygge include plush textures, greenery, and warm, neutral shades. The feeling hygge is supposed to evoke is extreme coziness. From reading a great book to lighting a candle and sipping hot cocoa, "hygge" can be expressed in many different ways, but the premise remains the same: contentment.

The high season of hygge is Christmas. Danes lead a secular lifestyle but when it comes to religious holidays, they pull out the stops. Danish winters are known to be long and dark, and so the Danes fight the darkness with their best weapon: hygge, and the millions of candles that go with it.