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A UK college has started teaching students the Danish concept of hygge — said to make homes nicer and people happier. But what exactly is it?
Sitting by the fire on a cold night, while petting a dog — probably surrounded by candles. That’ s certainly “hygge”. Eating home-made cakes. Watching TV under a warm quilt. Tea served in a china set. Family get-togethers at Christmas. They’re all hygge too.
The Danish word, pronounced “hoo-ga”, is usually translated into English as “cosiness(舒适)”. But it’s much more than that — it is an entire attitude to life that makes Denmark one of the world’s happiest countries.
Morley College, in central London, is teaching students how to achieve hygge as part of its Danish language course. “We have long, cold winters in Denmark,” says lecturer Susanne Nilsson. “That influences things. Hygge doesn’t have to be a winter-only thing, but it isn’t that fine for much of the year.”
With up to 17 hours of darkness per day in winter, and average temperatures staying around 0℃, people spend more time indoors as a result, says Nilsson, meaning there’s greater focus on home entertaining.
The idea is to feel as at-home as possible, forgetting life’s worries. “Hygge works best when there’s not too large an empty space around the person or people,” Nilsson adds.
The recent growth in Scandinavian-themed restaurants, cafes and bars in the UK is helping to export hygge, Nilsson says. Most customers won’t have heard of the term, but they might get a sense of it.
Similarly, in the US, the wallpaper and fabric firm Hygge & West aims to channel the concept through its cheery designs, as does a Los Angeles bakery, called Hygge, which sells traditional Danish cakes and treats.
Hygge is a deep-rooted tradition in Danes’ life. Helen Russell, author of The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World ’ s Happiest Country, says, “Hygge is so important for those who live Danishly that the other day, I saw a camper car parked by the roadside with lit candles in the windows.”
21.Which can be used to explain the concept of hygge?
A.It means success. B.It is a way to relax.
C.It requires a large room. D.It is a candle-involved moment.
22.What makes the Danish have more home life according to the text?
A.The country’s climate. B.The country’s culture.
C.The country’s economy. D.The country’s education.
23.What do we learn about hygge in the UK and the US?
A.It is ignored by the two countries’ people. B.It is quite different from that in Denmark.
C.It is a new trend in the two countries. D.It is related to several traditions.
24.What is the main purpose of the text?
A.To explain the history of hygge. B.To discuss a UK college course.
C.To encourage people to live Danishly. D.To introduce a traditional Danish lifestyle.
