As the weather changes, I often begin to think about my home environment in a different way. I enjoyed reading this post from the Home Life Purpose blog and got permission to share it here with you all.
🍵💙Grab a cup of tea and read this Guest Post by Joanna Bischoff
It’s September right now. What is it like in your part of the world? (If you’re anywhere in the Eastern Hemisphere, do please let me know-I want to know what the smells and sounds and expectations are. I’m trying to imagine the Autumn and Winter months).
Here in the States, we are entering cooler months. The temperature drops in most places, especially north, and with it, our thoughts turn towards 🍂Autumn, or as we have shortened it (like so many words in the English language), Fall. The colors of the trees change to yellows and browns and reds. Harvests come forth in full glory, with pumpkins and apples being some of the most popular!
As I was trying to think of a way to wrap the feeling you get into words, I realized English-speaking countries, not having a truly comprehensive word for it, have done what every language (except maybe Finnish, right?) does-and borrowed a word for this. We have popularized the Norwegian word, hygge. (hoo-gah, or heu-gah). So, maybe you know this one well, but if you have never heard this word before, we are going to break it down!
The Meaning of Hygge Worldwide
I had SO much fun researching this! Not only that, but some of our friends were recently visited by Danish relatives (how fun is that!), and I found out that in Denmark, what’s a hip, trendy word here in America (anywhere else?), is just a way of life there. It’s been fully embraced in Denmark. I find that oddly comforting; like, in a generation or two, our culture may be as familiar with this concept as it’s trendy right now.
So, the closest English word we have for it is “cosy” (nod to my British friends!) or “cozy”. Other cultures have it, too:
- Germans call it gemutlichkeit (coziness, unhurried, peace of mind-from Gemüt, the mind/feeling/heart/temper)
- The Dutch call it gezellig (indicating a pleasant ambiance, being sociable, or pleasant), or gezelligheid (conviviality)
- Japan has something similar, as well; you might say it as mattari (full-bodied, rich, laid back).
- I also got to thinking of the Israeli word used (like “Aloha”🌺 in Hawaii) as a hello and goodbye: “shalom”. The Bible often translates it as “peace” but it indicates wholeness, harmony, tranquility, wellness and soundness. It would indicate a solidness and peacefulness to a whole person; spirit, soul, body, as well as their circumstances and relationships (that’s about as much as I understand of it right now!). That’s such a good thing to have, isn’t it? Sounds pretty hygge to me!
So, in some cultures, it’s a normal thing. It can include your surroundings or the people with you. It’s a sense of wellness, wholeness, and soundness. It’s what gives you that certain feelin of delight and contentment. So, it could be the food, the décor, the company you’re keeping (which is sometimes a cat!). It could be in warm places or cold ones. I would guess that although we have a lot of things in common, ‘whole-hygge-ness” is as unique as the person enjoying it!
Varieties Of Hygge
Lots and lots of things could contribute to this special feeling and mindset of hygge. Maybe being in your own home. Maybe being outside. Having a candle, a warm cup of tea 🍵, or sitting by a brook. Your surroundings and activities definitely play a role here. But, what about your attitude?….
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Photo by Julian Hochgesang and others on Unsplash
