What Is Hygge?
Hygge is a Danish concept that encompasses the feeling of quiet comfort. Elements of hygge include plush textures, greenery, and warm, neutral shades. The feeling hygge is supposed to evoke is extreme coziness.
What Is the History of Hygge?
The earliest known use of the word hygge dates back to the early 1800s, when it first appeared in Danish writing. It was derived from a Norwegian word meaning “well-being,” and while it appeared as a noun 200 years ago, it wasn’t until a few years back that it really became a lifestyle.
In 2016, we started to see more and more people use the word hygge to describe a way of life, and by 2017 it was practically in everyone’s vocabulary. By then, nearly every lifestyle magazine had covered the trend and offered advice on how to embrace hygge. It was even one of Pinterest’s trends of the year in 2017.
Common Misconceptions About Hygge
While hygge often represents staying at home and taking time to relax and restore, it doesn’t necessarily mean becoming a hermit. Spending time with loved ones, either over a good meal at home or a board game, for example, definitely embodies the feeling of hygge.
Additionally, while there are many suggestions and ways to embrace hygge, there are no hard and fast rules. The textbook definition doesn’t say you have to have endless blankets or a cozy fire to embrace hygge. Hygge is really about what makes you feel content and happy.
Another common misconception about hygge is that it forces you to stay indoors. While it is often thought of as a way for the Danish to fight long, cold winters, you can find hygge in many different places. A long walk in the park or a picnic with your partner can provide a sense of hygge no matter the season.
Whether you bring in plants to upgrade your home’s air quality or you invest in a new mattress to improve your sleep, hygge is all about what makes you feel happy and content. It can be found by enjoying the little things in life, but there is no prescriptive way to embrace hygge. Start by finding things you love around your home and taking a few extra moments of mindfulness to appreciate them.
https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-hygge-4798043
In the hunt for new or interesting varieties, I’m currently working through the Sandhill Preservation website. Not as user-friendly as most websites these days, but their selection is downright astonishing!