User:Amanda Vogel/Hygge

Lead
Beginning in the 21st century, the concept of Hygge has expanded its cultural impact in countries outside of Denmark.

Use
In “Cultural Semantics and Social Cognition: a Case Study on Danish Universe of Meaning,” De Gruyter Mouton addresses how translating Hygge into English is highly problematic. The difference in translation has led to different interpretations of the word.

Hygge’s cultural impact on Denmark
Hygge is a way of life for Danes that embodies a sense of coziness, simplicity, and being present. Researchers Smoyer and Miking define Hygge as a “restorative practice” and emphasize Danes strong commitment to it. Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge, created the Hygge Manifesto, which quantifies Hygge into ten ideals: atmosphere, presence, pleasure, equality, gratitude, comfort, togetherness, harmony, truce, and shelter. Wiking believes that these ten ideals are key qualities for living a happy life.

Many different Danish traditions are influenced by Hygge. For instance, in winter months Danes often make home cooked food, such as cakes or meatballs from scratch. Additionally, Hygge inspires Danish interior design throughout the year. In Lindsey Robert’s article, “6 Ways to get that Hygge feeling, even in the Summer Swelter,” she suggests giving furniture a second life, adding plants indoors, cleaning your space, alternating textile, picking statement pieces, and designing outdoor areas.

Hygge also influences jails in Denmark. In “Hygge: Food and the Construction of Safety among Incarcerated Women in Denmark”, researchers Smoyer and Minke interviewed incarcerated women and found that they are permitted to wear their own clothes and attempt to make their cells as simple and cozy as possible. The research concluded that Hygge was a positive influence on these incarcerated women in Denmark.

Hygge’s international influence
The concept of Hygge has been adapted in countries outside of Denmark. In the United States, citizens have adopted the philosophical aspect of Hygge. In the article “Home with Hygge: Why Americans are obsessed with Hygge and what we can learn from Lagom,” Megan McDonough states that Americans tend to have a “Super Size Me” mentality, meaning they are always dreaming of bigger. Therefore, Americans have begun to incorporate the Hygge Manifesto into their lives as a means to slow down. Likewise, Megan McDonough suggested Americans are making this shift because in the World Happiness Report the United States ranked number eighteen, whereas Denmark consistently ranks in the top three. Additionally, Hygge has impacted India through Hygge’s distinct interior design. Ashok Mohanni, vice president of the National Real Estate Development Council west, expressed that developers in Indian cities are suggesting architects incorporate Hygge’s simplistic and cozy style of design into new builds. Sweden has a similar culture concept defined by the word “Lagom”. As mentioned in “What’s all the Hygge? Global Habits Gain U.S. fans,” “Lagom” is conceived as “not too much not too little”. This “not too much not too little” mentality embodies similar values to Hygge’s “less-is-more mentality”.