Hygge is from Danish, the concept thought to have originated as an antidote to the many cold, dark days characteristic of Denmark’s long winters. The word dates back to the 18th century and was in fact taken from Norwegian, where it referred to taking refuge from the outside elements. In Denmark at least, hygge‘s potential to promote well-being doesn’t appear to lack credibility – the Danes are on good form in the happiness stakes, ranked the happiest nation in the world by the UN in 2016.

Hygge is from Danish, the concept thought to have originated as an antidote to the many cold, dark days characteristic of Denmark’s long winters. The word dates back to the 18th century and was in fact taken from Norwegian, where it referred to taking refuge from the outside elements. In Denmark at least, hygge‘s potential to promote well-being doesn’t appear to lack credibility – the Danes are on good form in the happiness stakes, ranked the happiest nation in the world by the UN in 2016.