So, What Is Hygge? Here’s All You Need To Know About The Danish Trend That Is Sweeping The World

I first came across the concept of Hygge in the book The Year Of Living Danish and was so intrigued by the concept that I traveled to Denmark to investigate further.

That was early 2015 and since then Hygge fever has been sweeping the world and fast becoming one of the biggest trends. 

So what is it? 

Well the answer isn’t a simple one but at a high level Hygge can best be described as a way of living where you enjoy contentment, comfort in your surroundings and the company of others along with all the good things in life.

An explanation from a local…

It stems from the long, dark and cold winters in Denmark which have forced the people in that part of the world to live differently. 

Add in the fact that the Danish are consistently ranked as the happiest people in the world and that is why people are embracing Hygge in record numbers. 

Hygge is a way of life. 

It could be enjoying the simple everyday cup of tea. Wrapping up in a blanket with a friend to watch a movie. Having a beer in a cosy bar. Dimming the lights at home and replacing them with candles (candles are always involved when it comes to Hygge) or just sitting down to a family meal and savouring it. 

In many ways Hygge is like a form of mindfulness. 

Enjoying the moment and stopping to take things in. Although it has been around for generations as a concept it is being embraced as a trending Western culture now because of our uber connected and “always on” stressful lifestyles.

You’ll be hearing a lot more about Hygge over the coming months. It has spawned a range of cookbooks, cafés and TV shows about the concept.

It seems especially suited to Ireland in fairness where our long wet winters were made for Hygge. We’re off to grab a blanket and stay in bed for the day. 

Ideal.

READ NEXT: PICS: The Irish Team React To The Win