Hygge - Scandinavian Style Explained

In the last couple years (and particularly in the winter months), we're sure you've come across a certain word: Hygge. But what in the world does hygge mean exactly? First, let's start with how you say it.

Pronounced "hoo-ga," this Danish concept cannot be translated to one single word but encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.

If you've ever enjoyed reading a book indoors on a rainy Sunday or a cup of hot cocoa
on a snow day, you've experienced hygge without even knowing it.

Hygge is such an important part of being Danish that it is considered "a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA," according to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.

This national obsession with all things cozy is credited as one of the reasons why Denmark is always at the top of the list of the world's happiest countries, despite their infamously miserable winters. And recently, the rest of the world has begun to catch on to this wonderful way of life.

Similar to the German concept of gemütlichkeit and the Dutch idea of gezelligheid, the warm and cozy lifestyle that hygge promotes has been a key part of Danish culture since the early 1800s when the word first appeared in the written language (it's derived from a Norwegian word for "well-being").

While hygge—which is used as both a noun and adjective in Denmark—is more of a way of life for Danes, it caught on as a lifestyle trend in the UK after several books about the topic were published.

For example, do sweatpants count as hygge? Yes. There's even a word in Danish for them! Hyggebukser are that pair of pants you'd never be caught dead wearing in public, but practically live in when you're at home on the weekends binging on Netflix.

In addition to describing things as hyggelig (hygge-like), Danes are also obsessed with adding hygge to other words to describe things. For example, a hyggekrog is essentially a nook where you can get cozy—imagine a window seat where you can wrap yourself up in a blanket and watch the world go by, or your favorite armchair where you do all of your reading. Here's what else is considered hygge:

Candles. If you ask a Danish person, they're likely to tell you that candles are the most important part of creating a hyggelig atmosphere at home. Danes burn a whopping 13 pounds of candle wax a year per capita according to Wiking—more than any other country in the world. So turn off that unflattering overhead lamp and light some candles.

Fireplaces. What could be cozier than curling up by the fire for a warm night in? Bonus points if your mantel is decorated for winter.

Throw blankets. Whether a chunky knit, weighted blanket, or heated throw, having something soft to wrap around yourself is a must. As are oversized sweaters and thick socks (really, anything knitted), which also make things way more hygge.

Homemade sweets, comfort food, and hot drinks. What you eat is also essential to creating those cozy vibes. While restaurants can certainly have a hygge atmosphere (think candles on the table and a fireplace in the back), spending tons of money on an expensive meal isn't the point. It's more about comfort and familiarity.

While winter is the obvious time for all things hygge, Danes practice this concept year round. Some ideas for hyggelig summer activities include picnics in the park, backyard dinner parties, bonfires on the beach, and outdoor movie nights.