Le « hygge », la recette danoise du bonheur
“Hygge”, the Danish recipe for happiness

Author(s): Raluca Cristina Dragomir
Subject(s): Other Language Literature, Theory of Literature
Published by: Editura Junimea
Keywords: hygge; happiness; simplicity; comfort; life philosophy; well-being;
Summary/Abstract: Denmark is often ranked as the happiest country in the world, obtaining the first place in the World Report on Happiness in three of the last five years. Denmark is doing a fantastic job reducing the stress of life for its inhabitants. But that does not necessarily separate Denmark from other Nordic countries, like Norway, Sweden, Finland or Iceland, whose residents enjoy a similar quality of life. The secret ingredient of the Danes' happiness is their obsession with "hygge" (pronounced HOO-gah) which translates into a feeling of comfort, conviviality and well-being. It is mainly about warmth, comfort, slowness, intimacy, rusticity and simplicity. Hygge reaffirms a need for stability and harmony within the narrow framework of our private space. It is a philosophy of the moment that attaches to small things and is addressed to everyone without any idea of upheaval or revolt. To live hygge, you have to rejoice in the simple things, accept and love what you already have. In this article, we are going to analyze this concept starting from the work of Meik Wiking, The Book of Hygge.

• Details
• Contents