Who burns the most candles in Europe? The Danes. Especially during long winter evenings, candles and tea lights are lit by the millions and create a very intimate, cozy atmosphere.

The "Hygge" phenomenon is seeing a surge of interest outside of Denmark. And it's much more than just creating a warm atmosphere by burning candles during the long and dark winter season. Instead, it’s a way of life. It’s the Danes' recipe for happiness in their daily life. And somehow it seems to be working, because if you believe the United Nations' World Happiness Report, Denmark is the happiest country in the world. Incidentally, other locations listed in the ranking include the other Scandinavian countries. 

There is no direct equivalent for the word Hygge in the English language. Usually the word is translated into coziness. But this is only partially true, because Hygge is a way of life and is part of the DNA of Danish tradition. Hygge is now even part of Denmark's official cultural heritage, along with values such as freedom and equality.

Lifestyle books about this cozy Hygge feeling and what you need to get it now fill the shelves at bookstores. Meik Wiking describes it very clear and with credibility in his publication "Hygge - an attitude to life that simply makes you happy". Wiking should know: he is a happiness researcher and the Head of the Institute for Happiness Research in Copenhagen. Yes, there is really something like that in Denmark.

The “we-feeling” is the focus of the Hygge philosophy, writes Wiking. Experiencing community influences the happy effect especially when emotionally connected people share beautiful experiences. The Hygge culture has the potential to be an alternative to modern societies, which are losing their social cohesion because of self-interest and growing selfishness, and  their sense of community is being lost. Hygge reminds us of what we are by nature: social beings that thrive best when we feel safe in a community we trust.