When the winter solstice arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, it feels as though someone has pulled a shade over the sun. On December 20, the sun rises at 7:17 and sets promptly at 4:30 pm. In Stockholm, Sweden, the lack of light is even more grim; the sun rises at 8:47 am and sets at 2:55 pm in January. While we all have our own spirit lifting remedies to get through the winter, none resonates quite so intensely as a cultural phenomenon practiced in Denmark.
Hygge (Hoo - gah) is one of those words that has been floating around on American social media and in journals for several years riding the “trendy” train. It describes a cozy way people gather at home. The concept of the Danish word Hygge evokes images of simple happiness in the home with friends, a warm fire, fuzzy socks, coffee, good food, warm colors and candles, all the accouterments of a comfy feeling. The word was originally koselig in the Norwegian language and was less a mindful practice back then as it is known today.
According to the author Meik Wiking, Hygge describes the complex and warm feeling of cozy togetherness. Hygge is originally connoted “well-being” (Wiking, pg. ix), but has since been adopted and assigned a more complex meaning in Denmark and Sweden as, to combat the dreary feeling we get in the winter when the sun sets very early in the day or when the weather is inclement. The word Gezelligheid describes the feeling of Hygge public spaces such as cafes and libraries. The author of the book The Little Book of Hygge gives a fun list, “The Hygge Manifesto,” that describes all of the necessities of Hygge:
- Atmosphere
- Presence
- Pleasure
- Equality
- Gratitude
- Harmony
- Comfort
- Truce
- Togetherness
- Shelter.
Z, the Crestwood Library Branch Manager, describes the “Hygge” goals for our space:
"Practicing Hygge allows people to live in the moment, appreciate the little things in life, recharge the mind, and has the power to help people change their thinking that can lead to feeling happy and at peace with themselves and the world around them. We are highlighting the Hygge concept at Crestwood because our YPL Long Range Plan highlights delivering an exceptional library experience and our Vision is that YPL improves life in Yonkers for everyone by fostering literacy, culture, connection and community. Hygge encompasses that and more!"
For these next few winter months, strive to make your every day experiences warm and inviting.
Jackie Leone is a Librarian Trainee at the Crestwood Public Library.