If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you’ll know that I’ve been crushing on all things Scandinavian for some time….
From gorgeous GreenGate stoneware collections to the adorable characters of Maileg and Tilda.
I’ve also been entranced by the relaxed and cosy blogs of many Scandinavian friends and often feature them here on my blog, my Facebook page and in my magazines.
So, as I followed the trends of these creative Scandinavians and was happily inspired by their gorgeous styling, I also discovered something else…. ‘hygge’.
It’s a Danish word, which is hard to pronounce… sounds like hooga…. and it’s even harder to translate into English.
Roughly translated, hygge is ‘cosiness’… and enjoying life’s simple pleasures as part of your daily ritual.
It’s an ambiance… or perhaps even a state of mind.
‘Hygge’ is a lifestyle!!
From what I’ve read, the Danes created ‘hygge’ long ago as a way to survive the boredom of the long, cold and dark days of winter.
By creating a cosiness in their home with candles and beautiful furnishings and creating simple rituals that celebrated even the smallest of tasks, they turned the mundane into a fabulous art form.
For example, the simple act of making a cup of tea is enhanced when one brews real tea and serves it in a pretty china cup.
It’s not always something tangible…. ‘hygge’ can be snuggling on the sofa with a good book or a loved one, enjoying time with friends and family and cooking delicious meals.
It’s a feeling… happiness, contentment, comfort, charm and cosiness.
‘Hygge’ is making the ordinary feel extraordinary!
I was actually practicing ‘hygge’ for some time before I even knew of its existence, simply by practicing self care and creating a mood space for myself in my craft room.
Since discovering the hygge movement, I’ve been even more enthusiastic about weaving ‘hyggelig’ moments into my everyday life and enjoying the simple pleasures and gratitude of a happy life.
Unplugging from social media earlier this year was for me an act of ‘hygge’ that restored my energy and life balance.
In my quest to do cosiness as well as the Danes, I’ve just purchased this book, The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking…. considered one of the best on the subject and written by the chief executive of Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute.
And if you want to embrace the Danish art of ‘hygge’ too, here’s my affiliate link to pick up a copy of this New York Times bestseller on Amazon or Book Depository.
I’ll be back to share some more hygge-ology with you tomorrow.
May your day be filled with simple pleasures.
Hugs
♥
Kerryanne
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It sounds a bit like “huggy” … & that’s just the feeling I like people to feel when they visit us, like our home is embracing them. Like you, decorating & arranging our house so that even first time visitors feel “at home” is something I’ve been doing for years. The real world of being a grown up is stressful, so having a haven for ourselves & those important to us is a priority. And the best part is sharing it. :0) Thanks for sharing your “huggy” with us, gorgeous friend. Bear Hugs! KRIS xx
lol… yes Kris, to us Aussies it does sound like a huggy, but they say it as hooga. I absolutely agree with your sentiments on creating a home and home life and I think that is why this hygge movement appeals to me so much. Friends like you are essential for creating ‘hygge’ in my life. Hugs xxx
Hi, New follower here. Enjoy your blog. I am enchanted with Scandinavians also. I would like to suggest another blog you might enjoy as much as I have. Being a crocheter, I was originally drawn to this site throuch crochet, but this lady is very artful is so many ways. Please take a peek.
elsasdesign.blogspot.nl.
Love your pics and designs. Stirs up the imagination.
Welcome Fay!
I’m so glad you are enjoying Shabby Art Boutique. I’ll be sure to pop over and visit Elsa’s blog…. thank you for the recommendation.
Shabbilicious hugs, Kerryanne
I have a lovely book on this topic – lots of lovely cosy photos and lots of craft ideas.
Toni xx
Wish Toni had mentioned which book she was referring to, would love to thumb thru at least. Always open to new ideas and crafts.
Am very entranced with the idea of ‘hygge’.would love to learn more about it. So glad your introduced this state of mind in your posts.
To me this means a state of mind, how wonderful to feel that way about our lives and people we share it with. Contentment is a hard won way of life now. Enjoy your weekend