Hygge

Hygge

This past year has been much slower for most people; less travel, less socializing, less to do. It has been difficult to appreciate the small things when it feels like so much has been taken away. It’s challenging to find the magic in a Sunday morning alone when you’d rather be out for brunch with friends. 


Hygge (pronounced hooga) is a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. The word originates from Denmark and Norway and is a defining characteristic of Danish culture. 


English does not have an interchangeable term for Hygge but it is often associated with words such as simple, cozy, ritual, enjoyment, comfort, security, and happiness. It is about being present in the moment and recognizing the enjoyment of a moment. Finding small daily rituals that bring pleasure and give life significance. The concept was born out of a need to survive long, dark winters which often brought with them a feeling of mundane monotony. 


Living Hygge is not difficult, you don’t need to overhaul your home or throw away your possessions. Hygge simply emphasizes spending quality time with friends and family and slowing down to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It’s sitting down for 10 minutes to sip your coffee instead of drinking it on the go. It’s taking a bubble bath with dimmed lights and a good book. It’s setting a nice table and eating dinner away from the tv, savoring each bite. It’s lighting a candle and calling an old friend to catch up. 


We are all aware of how powerful smell can be at evoking emotion and bringing back memories. Just a whiff of apple pie can take you right back to being a child in your grandmother’s kitchen. The smoky scent of campfire reminds you of summer adventures with friends. The fresh air after a thunderstorm reeks of nostalgia and new possibilities. Filling your space with a scent that is comforting and enjoyable can be an excellent way to add some Hygge into your life. The ritual of lighting a candle is a subtle signal to your subconscious that this is a special moment, a moment to be appreciated. 


In Western Culture there is a tendency to rush through the workweek. We want to put our heads down and get it over with, and then we attempt to cram a week’s worth of fun and relaxation into the two day weekend. But life is both too long and too short to live this way.


Weekday Candles are poured to be a candle for every day of the week. Friday often gets all the glory but we believe that each day offers its own opportunity to enjoy life and make a special moment. Each day has a unique atmosphere that deserves to be celebrated and savored. We hope that lighting one of our candles can help you take pause and find those moments of contentment, whether it’s Monday Morning, Friday Night, or any day in between. 

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