Incorporate Danish way to live well
Before I decided to study journalism, I attended Mount Allison University for a year. My single-occupant-dorm-room was my favourite place on campus.
I had string lights lining my walls for a soft glow, battery operated candles (because fire is a no-no in a dorm), posters of Vincent van Gogh paintings, photos and notes on the walls, and comfort foods and teas lined the shelves.
When people would come into my room, they’d always say it felt so ‘homey.’ Sometimes, I’d let them into my room just to chill in a quiet, calm place if they were having a tough time.
Knowing what I know now, the description and vibe of my dorm room falls under a lifestyle trend in Denmark: Hygge.
That’s HOOG-A for those of you (like me) who butchered it.
According to the book The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking, hygge is more about atmosphere and experiences than things. It’s about being with the people you love, feeling at home and safe.
In an early chapter, the author draws the connector between hygge in Denmark and hominess in Canada. It’s a state where we shut out the rest of the world and dive into the feeling of community, warmth and togetherness - all of my dorm-room goals.
Now that I know I’ve been secretly incorporating hygge into my life, I thought I might share the love (because sharing is usually caring). So how does one hygge?
Light: One word — candles. In Denmark, the definition of spoilsport literally translates to the one who puts out the candles. Lighting plays a big role in hygge. Anything less than 1,800 kelvins is the sweet spot according to the book (a soft, warm yellow).
Wiking describes the love of light as “when the first rays of light reach the country, Danes awaken from their hibernation and fall over themselves to find spots in the sun.” Sounds like Canada, am-I-right? For context, the 2016 book said Denmark sees about 179 days of rain per year. In 2018, Summerside, P.E.I. saw about 178.
Togetherness: Community is an important element to hygge. No one person takes centre stage or dominates the conversation. Rather, the time spent with others creates an atmosphere that is warm, relaxed and friendly (the perfect way to introverts to socialize without feeling drained or overwhelmed).
Here are some must haves that will put you in the hyggehjørnet (in the mood for hygge):
Food and drink: Hygge basically gives you permission to indulge in foods that bring comfort, like cakes, sweets, stews and hot drinks. About 86 per cent of Danes associate hot drinks with hygge.
Clothing: It’s a casual yet stylish kind of vibe. Big, cozy blanket scarves, bulky sweaters, tones of black, lots of layers and causal hair (think the very popular “messy bun” look.) It’s about being who you are as you are.
Home: OK, to get a major hyggelig(t) — meaning hygge-like — space, there are a number of desired features, like a hyggekrog, the one thing that every home needs (think your dream nook). It’s the place where you love to snuggle up in a blanket, maybe with a book and a cup of tea. But it doesn’t have to be a nook - it could be any spot that’s best to relax after a long day. Once that’s established, décor items like objects made out of wood, ceramic, layers of textiles and vintage feels can pull the home together (just don’t forget the candles, and if you’re lucky, a fireplace).
We’re coming out of the autumn/winter season, which seems like the prime time for hygge, but it doesn’t have to end just because the weather is starting to turn. In the springtime, consider going for hikes (it may be a bit brisk but it builds a strong constitution, right?), head to a cabin or campground for a weekend, enjoy a barbecue or campfire, and in June, enjoy the summer solstice giving us the longest days of the year.
Then, this summer, embrace the sun and warmth for maximum summertime-hygge.
Drink cider, have backyard barbecue nights with friends and family, join or build a community garden — “tending to your tomatoes while having a chat over coffee with the other gardeners is both hyggelig and meditative.” Not to mention it fosters community spirit and togetherness.
It’s the feeling of home — who could ask for more.
Millicent McKay is a Summerside-based journalist for the Journal Pioneer. She likes yoga, playing with her cat, copious cups of tea, soap operas (who doesn’t) and blogging. For more content by Millicent, head to www.theonewithpaigeandmillee.squarespace.com.