In my quest for a definition of hygge, I have found the internet a great source of articles and pages. I love finding new blogs, and especially blogs that are aligned with my thoughts and aspirations. I craft as well, so I have a lot of craft blogs in my reader, but I’m adding more and more hygge-happy blogs there as well.
But often it’s not the lifestyle blogs that give me the best advice for what hygge is and how I can make my life hyggelig in a British style. One of my favourite articles actually is from the BBC; from October 2015 and called ‘Hygge: A Heart-warming Lesson from Denmark‘.
Hygge: A Heart-warming Lesson from Denmark
The Danish word, pronounced “hoo-ga”, is usually translated into English as “cosiness”. But it’s much more than that, say its aficionados
It’s interesting to see that the influence of hygge was being highlighted last year and before… when Mindfulness was a big thing and clean eating was everywhere. Almost like a pendulum, or a re-set button. We were chasing empty minds, free from care, through clean eating, yoga and a sterile approach to organic living, when this small concept that is credited with keeping a whole country happy* began to seep into our lives and vocabulary.
Helen Russell, author of The Year of Living Danishly, is quoted in the article as saying;
The rest of the world seems to be slowly waking up to what Danes have been wise to for generations – that having a relaxed, cosy time with friends and family, often with coffee, cake or beer, can be good for the soul,
And it’s this element of soul-feeding, or nourishing, or taking care of that I am seeking in hygge. I want to live a life that warms the cockles of my heart, that makes me feel physically and mentally supported. That’s often seen as something that’s hard to do in cynical, modern industrial Britain. But I say No, it’s not impossible. That’s what I’m going to do; to build in the little ceremonies and treats that make me smile. As the Danes have Fredags Hygge and Julhygge I can have Friday Treats and Christmas for the Heart. Where they have Kanelsnegle I can have scones (so very British) and where they have candles lit everywhere in the house and the office I can have… well, actually candles lit everywhere in the house and the office. I’ll keep adding to my hygge resources and information week by week. For today, here’s your further reading. Two more articles that will feed your hygge fire.
Scandinavian Kitchen, headed by the excellent Bronte Aurell, posted this article called ScandiKitchen’s Guide to Hygge which gives you a cracking overview of what hygge is. I love the idea of hygge as “an elevated state of cosiness”. Her new book, Fika and Hygge: Comforting Cakes and Bakes from Scandinavia with Love is fresh out this month, and on my wish list.
and Translating Hygge, a Danish word never meant to be translated by ToveMaren Stakkestad which has the most quoteable line, “Hygge was never meant to be translated. It was meant to be felt.”
How to Hygge the British Way 
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