Category: HYGGE Decor Ideas

ONE OF DENMARK’S MAGIC WORDS TO DEAL WITH THE PANDEMIC…

According to USN News one of Denmark’s Magic Words is how to deal with the pandemic.

“Samfundssind” – considering the needs of society over oneself – reflects Danish societal values useful in combating a pandemic.

Marie Helweg-Larsen says that “In recent years, the English-speaking world has found two Danish concepts, “pyt” and “hygge,” useful for dealing with anxiety and stress. Now another Danish word – “samfundssind” – might help countries grapple with the pandemic.

In March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged all Danes to show “samfundssind,” which means to consider the needs of society above your own. In English, it roughly translates to community spirit, civic engagement or civic-mindedness.”

Marie goes on to explain that before the pandemic, samfundssind was a relatively obscure word that was rarely, if ever, used. It first appeared in a Danish dictionary in 1936, and former Danish Prime Minister Thorvald Stauning included it in several speeches in the late 1930s imploring Danes to show community spirit as World War II was approaching. However, since Frederiksen used the word in her March speech, its usage in Denmark has spiked.

The concept of samfundssind seems to be related to what researchers call social capital. Members of societies that have high levels of social capital tend to be more trusting and reciprocal while feeling more connected to their fellow citizens – all attitudes that lend themselves to considering the needs of a community over your own.

Denmark is an individualistic society, and Danes rank as the most trusting in the world. They score highly in interpersonal trust as well as trust in institutions, such as the police and government. Denmark also has the world’s lowest levels of corruption.

With winter approaching and the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, the impulse may be to retreat from the public health emergency and think only about ourselves and our own needs.

Samfundssind, however, can remind us to look outward, rather than inward.

HOLD A “CRAFTERNOON” IN AID OF MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY “MIND”…

Craft something with care by holding a “Crafternoon” in aid of the charity MIND and help raise money to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. Held on Saturday 5th December or at a time to suit you.

Sign up for a kit and details at MIND. The kit comes with crafty templates, delicious recipes and all the support you need to host, whether its craftiest virtual fundraiser “Crafternoon” or in someone’s home.

You can choose your activity from homemade Christmas cards to favour boxes for your table. MIND has inspirational templates for you to choose from.

Invite your nearest and dearest. Get guests to leave a donation to MIND. Share stories and inspiration with your fellow “Crafternooners” and stay in touch with the latest news from the “Crafternoon“ team.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s mental health will be long lasting, so it is incredibly important that we take action now. Every penny you raise at your “Crafternoon” helps MIND be there for anyone experiencing a mental health problem, providing life-changing information and support.

‘FIKA’, ANOTHER RELAXING WORD FROM SWEDEN…

‘Fika‘ is another delightful Swedish word. It means sitting down and setting aside quality downtime with friends for a coffee and cake. How nice is that?

The lovely print from Etsy would look nice in any kitchen. Fika Definition Print, Swedish Scandinavian Nordic, Coffee Bar Kitchen Decor, Friends Family Dining Room Artwork, Minimal Dictionary Art for £4.90

Fika Definition Print Swedish Scandinavian Nordic Coffee Bar image 1

It is linked to the recognition of coffee and pasties, but they say it is really meant to be a way of stopping for a short while in work and life to just enjoy the moment, which is such a wonderful idea.

Apparently it can take place inside a café, outside in nature, or in the comfort of your own or friends home.

‘Let’s go for a ‘fika’ is often overheard between word colleague or friends you have not seen for a while. ‘Fika‘ is a image, a state of mind, a belief and an important part of Swedish culture. Many Swedes consider that it is almost essential to make time for fika every day.

Swedish Fika Mug Swedish Coffee Mug Scandinavian mug image 0

I also love this ‘Finka’ themed mug.from Etsy at £10.38

It would make a great with a card inside depicting what it means in English.

These candles are perfect to have around the home and to remind you of this lovely Swedish tradition. They are from Fika Candles and are £40. Fill with a hole collection of our single wick candles. Enjoy the full aroma of our fantastic candles and wax melts. Everything in this luxurious gift set has been lovingly handmade and packed full of fragrance by the team at Fika Candles to make your gift set extra special, using natural organic ingredients.

Before I pop down to call some friends for a ‘Fika’ meet I thought The Little Book of Fika would be a great match with any of the gifts above and is available from Amazon at £5.94 (and other good retailers).