The Hygge Conspiracy

For many, 2016 was a challenging year. Who doesn’t want to go inside, shut out the world and sit by the fire with a nice, hot cup of tea? In late 2016, writers, journalists and retailers discovered the Danish idea of hygge, a special kind of “coziness” that you can foster with simple props like candles and cushions. Culture writer Charlotte Higgins explores where it came from, and how the international version differs from the original. In her interviews with Danes, she uncovers a dark side to hygge that the beautifully illustrated books don’t tell you. getAbstract recommends this linguistic exploration to anyone who would like to find the meaning behind the merchandise.