Denmark is apparently the happiest country on earth. And ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘HYU-gah’) is the word for why that is the case. With no direct English translation (maybe that’s one reason the US doesn’t top the happy charts?) and too broad an idea for one English word to cover, hygge is something like “the art of creating intimacy: a sense of comradeship, conviviality and contentment rolled into one." It can be used as a verb, noun or as an adjective by changing it to hyggeligt (HYU-gah-lee).
Last week we held a film fest at the pactory. Tyler Wilkinson-Ray of T-Bar Films was on hand fresh, back from the land of poutine and ‘eh’ to present several of his films including his most recent, Out on a Limb (see full video below) which just world premiered at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. This little hyggeligt community gathering was one of our attempts at increasing the hygge in our life and hopefully the lives of those we touch as well!
Hygge is usually used in a social context. Like swapping stories across bonfires in old wheelbarrows for example.
Or being a master bbq chef at a potluck.
Or appreciating the fruits of a friend’s labor. With more friends. Thanks Tyler Walsh and Two Trucks Brewing!
But hygge can also be used to describe things, places, or abstract feelings. Anything really. Take time to appreciate the simple things and find the hygge in your life.
Thanks to all the brave souls that ventured out of hibernation on a frigid night to eat, drink, be merry and watch rad ski and mountain bike movies with friends!
Hygge is our word of the day. Read more about it here and make it yours too.
Vasu Sojitra: Out on a Limb from T-Bar Films on Vimeo.
