Page 19 - PA_Enterprise_November-2022

PAE
Ever Heard of Hygge?
During the long and dark winter months of the
year, Scandinavians traditionally try to interject
as much light as possibly into their lives. The
Lucia festival, which happens on December
13th every year, is just one example of this.
But light doesn’t just mean actual light. It
also means conform, joy, and well being.
It’s something that consistently lands the
nordic countries on the top 10 list of the
happiest people on earth. Your ancestors also
embraced this concept. It’s called Hygge, and
it’s the subtle art of happiness.
What Exactly is Hygge?
Hygge is pronounced hue-guh. It can be used
as a noun, adjective, or a verb. The word
comes from a Norwegian word meaning “well
being” and it’s a centuries old Scandinavian
/ Danish concept that is used to describe
a moment or feeling that is cozy, special,
or charming. It brings to mind pleasant,
engaging, mellow, good-humored, safe, and
snug environments. It’s comfort and pleasure
combined. It’s that inviting glow of The Shire
from The Hobbit. The smell of candy and
coffee on a warm summer night at Disneyland
outside the Penny Arcade. It’s The Great
Hall with all the floating candles in Harry
Potter. It could also be sipping on a glass of
wine with a friend, or taking a relaxing bubble
bath. There is no one thing that equates to
the idea; instead, it’s all of them combined.
It’s a general state of mind towards how you
embrace life. After all, who doesn’t want
happy?
November 2022
Where did Hygge come from?
According to research, the Danish borrowed
the word Hygge from the Norwegians and
made it into a broader concept. Since both
countries are known for their cold snowy
winters, hygge is often associated with lighting
candles to make a place feel warmer. The
idea also embraces cabins, wool, homemade
crafts, knits, and fireplaces. Fair isle? Yup,
that’s hygge too. The Norwegians connect it to
nature and sometimes to spending time in the
snow. The Danish version of hygge, however,
adopts many other definitions as well. It’s
probably because of this that it has become
a widely used concept in Scandinavia. It was
the word of the year in the Oxford and Collins
dictionary in 2016, so that officially makes it an
English word. And you might liken it to the yin
and yang of Asia – the idea of maintaining
harmony. But come on, who are we kidding?
It’s undeniably Scandinavian.
Why Do I Want To Embrace Hygge?
It’s the little moments that count. We all know
that. But how often do you stop and smell the
roses? How many of these moments do you
really have in your life? Are you over-worked?
Overstressed? Distracted? If you answered
“yes,” I’m not surprised. We are have so much
going on these days that it’s hard for any of us
to not feel overwhelmed. That’s why it’s time
to start embracing hygge now, especially if
it’s a new concept to you. Putting a little more
happiness into your life will improve how you
feel, flow, and walk through life.
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