Hygge Meaning

Let’s give Hygge Meaning and learn why so many are embracing its wholesome definition. We’ll define Hygge and then see how we can apply that definition to real life in practical ways.

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Hygge Meaning

Hygge Definition: a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. As a cultural category with its sets of associated practices hygge has more or less the same meanings in Danish and Norwegian. [source] Hygge is also often used as an adjective meaning “cozy or comfortable.” [source]

Hygge pronunciation ( / ˈh ( j) uːɡə /; Danish: [ˈhykə]; Norwegian: [ˈhŷɡːə])

What a beautiful way to express so many wonderful emotions, actions, and goodness with just one word!

When I think of the word hygge I remember moments in my life. Cherished hygge memories flood my mind.

Moments like early mornings on the farm when the fog has closed in around us like a soft, cozy blanket allowing us to feel secure in our little hollow. The farm yard and chicken coop are visible, but the fir trees just beyond only peek through the fog here or there. I am holding a cup of hot coffee and watching my children feed the chickens, gather eggs, and visit in hushed tones to match the atmosphere. We live hygge.

When the children are gathered around the big wooden table with steaming bowls of oatmeal; the candlelight, crackling of the wood stove, and my voice reading our morning Bible verses bring warmth to their very souls. All is right with their world, as it should be for children. And my heart is beyond full. We cultivate hygge.

Reading an engaging book out loud to my children. We are all carried away into another world together. I look around at the thinking faces and a smile graces my face. These are the moments of contentment I will forever remember. The presence of all of my children … the friendly conversations, the peace we share. We embrace hygge.

The quiet of a sleeping house. All of us are together. The sound of breathing humans I love fiercely lulls me to sleep as I pray for each of them by name. My hand is on my husband’s chest as he snores beside me. I am thankful for another day of grace. We rest to the sound of hygge.

Hygge is found in people more than in things. Whether within yourself or in others. 

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HYGGE Definition Wall Art
The Lifegiving Collection: The Lifegiving Home / The Lifegiving Table / The Lifegiving Parent
Flag of Denmark-Danish red with Dane white Scandinavian cross

Gifts in a Hygge Life Are …

• a rocking chair by a warm fire
• growing old with your first love
• favorite socks when it is freezing cold
• the protection from the wind that a barn brings
• teaching your children at home
• the crunch of the forest floor under your feet
• the long hug from a loved one that squeezes you extra hard
• your favorite cup of warmth
• the person who can sit with you in silence and not feel anxious
• a beeswax candle
• a favorite outfit that is comfortable, practical, and feminine
• looking up through a ceiling of autumn leaves
• the summer sunrise
• the cuddle of your child against you on the couch
• a wood-burning stove
• the joy of reading a book out loud
• the small cottage that always catches your eye
• a full clothesline in the breeze
• a worn out Bible
• the overgrown flower garden
• holding hands with your husband
• a dog on your front porch
• natural elements like wood, stone, fire, and water
• a favorite pen
• wool and flannel in the winter
• the weathered hands of dad
• watching the sunrise
• the perfect rug
• a shelf of well-loved books
• a summer evening
• children laughing
• cotton and linen clothes on a hot day
• people singing
• a basket full of fresh eggs
• a green meadow
• the smile of a stranger
• a bubbling creek
• freshly baked bread
• the twinkle in mom’s eyes

What Is Hygge?

It makes sense that the word originates in the northern countries where the winters are long and the sun is scarce. Autumn and winter are often the seasons that we relate to comfortable coziness here in the USA.

But, we can (and should) apply hygge to all seasons and locations. It surpasses time and circumstances to exist, not only around, but within us … if we embrace it.

Hygge means a lot of things to me. But, I think what gives hygge meaning is choosing to recognize it in the little and big things. 

Hygge is rest and work. It is creating a practical, comfortable, cozy, beautiful, simple, and meaningful life for ourselves and those around us.

Hygge is choosing to do things the slow way, the hard way, and the simple way because the end result is hygge. It is being content with less and realizing having a little is more than enough.

Real hygge is found in Jesus. Jesus is the epitome of “coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment”.

³ If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; ⁴ he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, ⁵ perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸ And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. ⁹ But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [1 Timothy 6, source]

The word may be Danish / Norwegian, but it is for all of us.

Tell me in the comments what hygge means to you!

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