First of all, as Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, explores in his books Hygge and Lykke, this Danish experience is possible to apply in others countries, according to a not Danish social environment.

When Hygge is mentioned is easy to think in candles, fireplaces and a lot of physical elements that are a part of it, but they hide and show at the same time, values, traditions and a unique way of life with deep roots.

In this article, we will mention some objects, but we intend to go deep into wise values that support Hygge.

1-Context

Denmark was united to Norway under the same crown until 1814.

Although they have important cultural points of contact, and Norway also is considerate one of the happiest countries in the world, as all Scandinavia, since last years Denmark was in the center of these phenomena.

For better comprehension, it is important to consider weather condition over Danish culture. A wet, rainy, cold and with not so much hours of sunlight during wintertime, in some way push life indoors. Danish looked for create a more comfortable home as they could.

This creates a national way of life looking for charm and safety. Although this way of life came to public consideration in the last years, its roots have more than one century. Besides, nowadays Hygge is studied, and planned is Danish culture and homes. Because of that, a "Hygge" home must-have charms objects to make it the comfortable place where you share with the ones you love. These objects usual include someone of a loved ancestor because they provide loved memories. And a loving memory provides one of the pillars of Hygge:  gratitude.

2-Candles.

They are a typical Hygge element, because of its warm light.

But also they are an external signal of history and daily life at a Danish home.

The Advent candle is a Calendar, with 24 marks one for each day before Christmas and for intentionally daily preparing people for this great celebration.

The fest candle celebrates each 4 May, when German forces, who had occupied the country, had surrendered.

So, Danish candles create relax at home, but also remember things than matters to reinforce identity.

3-Some words in the spirit of Hygge

·         Humble

·         Slow

·         Simplicity

·         Functionally

·         Simple pleasures

·         Intimacy

·         Sense of togetherness

·         Gratitude

These words show a part of this style of life: no hurry at home, things may be not luxurious but functional, so simple ones because in this way they are capable to make comfort easily.

Danish believe that well-being is hidden in simple pleasures and happiness in intimacy, sense of togetherness and gratitude. There is no magic, but these are proved conditions for Hygge.

4-Some sentences in the spirit of Hygge

·         Hygge means feeling safe

·         Rustic better than new

·         Money no increases Hygge

·         Play means share an activity without goals

·         More the positive emotions than the absence of negative feelings

As we can see, it seems that safety is the main condition. The absence of insecurity, let people live without the high guard.

When your worries went out through the window, you can enjoy intimacy with the ones you love in a charming environment.

Money is very important to guarantee a not uncertainly life, but money is not capable to increase Hygge.

Home is the place for play, enjoy without goals.

Of course, Danish is not excluded from pain, but the attention is focused more on positive emotions than in the absence of negative ones.

5-Social environment

·         You trust the ones you are with.

·         You feel safe where you are.

·         You are completely yourself around other people that strengthen your self-esteem.

In these 3 statements, I can see the perfect balance between personal and social issues.

With mountains of human suffer trying to be another one that you are not reinforced usually by media…what an important situation is that your social environment strengthens your self-esteem!

Are you ready to go deep into the roots of Hygge?

I can assure that in a few weeks, learning, I improved my home and my life

Learn more in next edition, for a better life                                              

Bibliography

Books

Meik Wiking The little book of Hygge. Penguin Random House UK, 2.016

Meik Wiking The little book of Lykke.  Penguin Random House UK, 2.017