Hygge Before Hygge Was Cool
Happiness Is Found When Light Enters Darkness
by Eric Elkin
Some coal miners in Hegins Valley, PA, only saw sunlight one day of the week. Back in the day, coal miners in Hegins would wake up before sunrise to work. They would walk in darkness to Williams Valley, and then work until after sunset in a deep dark cave. The only day of sunshine for these workers was, ironically, Sunday. At least, that was the story I was told while serving Friedens Lutheran Church in Hegins, PA.
Living in darkness wrecks havoc on the body and mind. The absence of light can radically alter the inner human rhythms of life. When our bodies get out of sync, we sleep more yet still feel sleep-deprived. Light-deprived people tend to make more mistakes at work. And, obviously, they are more apt to become depressed.
Living in darkness for long periods does more than impact an individual person. If enough people live a sun-deprived existence, it begins to shape the culture of the community. I loved the people of Hegins, and it was one of my favorite experiences in my life. Yet, despite overwhelming beauty, there was an underlying cynicism which I often found difficult to handle.
The same is true in Minnesota. People's attitudes are darker during the winter months, and their humor is more cynical. Long stretches of cloudy days do little to dispel the gloominess of darkness. I find my frame of mind susceptible to the darkness. A condition that is hard to avoid when there is no alternative.
Oddly enough, Finland, which receives absolutely no sunlight during winter, is the happiest place to live on earth. At least, this is the consensus of people who studied global happiness. Egypt, one of the sunniest countries globally, is ranked 137th on the happiness scale. This suggests joy involves more than just exposure to sunlight.
Hygge is a Scandinavian concept many researchers cite as the reason for happiness in cultures defined by darkness. The word is Danish but is practiced in many neighboring nations. Hygge describes an approach to living where people intentionally find joy in everyday things. The practice invites people to live a more simplified life and to create a feeling of coziness around them. The closest English word to Hygge is "hug," but even that is far too limiting.
I think Isaiah was trying to get people to practice Hygge before Hygge was cool. A great light has entered into the darkness. His words invite all of us to search out ways to bring light into our life. Not just the light of Christ, but the light of others. Find ways to become connected to the lights of life — nature, friends, family, and the gift of beauty surrounding us. At the end of each day, give thanks. This practice will make a difference in your living a whole life.
Click to read Isaiah 9: 2-7
Reflection Questions:
Where or how do you feel impacted by darkness?
What can you do to bring light into your life?
Where can you find happiness today?
If you don’t know how, consider this list of suggestions: 10 Hygge Practices