We talk a lot about happiness on this site, but mostly what we’re talking about is what Western, English-speaking nations commonly understand happiness to be.
It’s also true that a lot of the research in this area and the studies I write about come from America, the U.K. and Australia. But the concept of happiness and people’s understanding of what it means to them varies greatly across different cultures and languages. As such, many of the below words do not translate into English very well. Sometimes, there is just no concept like it in English, other times, you might think it’s a simple enough translation, but there are layers of subtlety that mean so much more.
From the Danish practice of Hygge to the Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi, or the Russian zeal for Azart, how humans search for happiness and what brings them joy is clearly influenced by and reflected in their culture, environment and values.
Let’s take a look at these 21 happiness ideas from around the world and their meanings.
21 Happiness Ideas From Around the World
1. Hygge, Denmark
Hygge is all about coziness and comfort. It’s a warm fire and a good book, a games night with friends or family, a hot cup of cocoa or wearing a comfortable new jumper for the first time. It’s a subjective thing, but it’s always a feeling that warms the soul. Hygge has been a part of Danish and Norwegian culture for centuries and is a great way to make the best and reframe thinking about the best way to make it through those long, cold winters.
2. Sisu, Finland
The Finnish also have long winters and maybe that’s why they need sisu – a resilience and stoic determination in the face of adversity. Sisu is about overcoming challenges, taking action against all the odds and having grit. Sisu is something to have pride in, and is part of the Finnish national character.
3. Friluftsliv, Norway
The literal translation of Friluftsliv is “free air life,” but it means so much more than that to the people of Norway, who are an active outdoorsy group of people. To them, it means mindfully spending time in nature to become one with the natural world. Friluftsliv recognised the importance of being outdoors to our happiness, and is all about the sense of contentment, happiness and spiritual uplifting that nature provides.
4. Niksen, Netherlands
In today’s hectic world, we could all use a little bit more niksen – the art of doing nothing. This concept takes having a break to a whole new level. It’s about listening to your body and knowing when you need to recover and it’s a great idea for relieving stress. If you want to know more about the benefits of doing nothing, check out Manoush Zomorodi’s TedX talk on How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas.
5. Kalsarikannit, Finland
You know when you just can’t be bothered to go anywhere? Maybe you had a long week at work, or you’re just tired from overbooking yourself, well, don’t stress, instead practice a bit of kalsarikannit, and stay at home in your undies with a nice glass of shiraz. Kalsarikannit is literally translated to ‘pants drunk’ and is roughly translated to ‘drinking at home in your underwear with no intention of going out.’ Cheers to that!
6. Ohanami, Japan
Ohanami literally means “flower viewing” and it’s used to describe gathering to enjoy and appreciate cherry blossoms. In Japan, cherry blossom viewing is a centuries-old tradition that is grounded in the idea that nothing is permanent, not even beautiful flowers. This is also known as Hanami.
7. Wabi-sabi, Japan
Wabi-sabi derives from Buddhist teachings, and is another Japanese concept that centres on the idea of accepting and even celebrating imperfection, impermanence and incompleteness. It is the art of finding perfection in the imperfect. In today’s age of increasing social pressure due to pervasiveness of social media, a lot of us could use a little bit more wabi-sabi and self-compassion in our lives.
8. Shinrin-yoku, Japan
Shirin-yoku means bathing in the forest – which isn’t about actually bathing but is more about being completely surrounded and enveloped in the forest. This is about taking time to mindfully walk or sit in the forest and simply enjoy nature. You can read more in this article about why moving out of the city will make you happier.
9. Craic, Ireland
This Irish concept is all about having a good time with friends. It’s about loud conversations, joking, laughing and having fun – think of a good night at the pub. Craic has even been called an intrinsic part of the culture of sociability that distinguished the Irish workplace from those of other countries.
10. Entrückt, Germany
Being entrückt is about being lost in thought and in your own mind. It’s about forgetting everything around you and daydreaming, being absentminded or even meditative. It’s about being calm and quiet and enjoying time alone.
11. Estrenar, Spain
This is about using or wearing something for the first time. Think of the soft fluffiness of a new pair of sweatpants, or the whiteness of a new pair of socks, or the great feeling of wearing a new top on a night out with friends. Brings a smile to your face, doesn’t it?
12. Siesta, Spain
For those of us who are on the career treadmill or corporate ladder, the idea of taking a 2-hour break in the middle of the day for a siesta, or nap, may seem preposterous. But this practice has been proven to relieve stress and recharge your mind, leading to greater happiness and wellbeing. It might be time to talk to the boss.
13. Flâner, France
Flâner is to stroll or potter around. If you’re in a rush, it’s not flâner. Instead, this means to take your time leisurely walking and observing the world around you. It’s about having no purpose, and letting your feet take you where they will.
14. Lagom, Sweden
Lagom is the story of goldilocks in one word – it’s the Swedish mindset of approaching life with an “everything in moderation” mindset… in other words, not too much, not too little, but just right. There’s no English equivalent and in today’s consumerist society even the word ‘moderation’ can be seen as leaving you wanting more. Lagom is not that, it is truly the right amount, with a sprinkle of perfect, balance and simplicity in there too.
15. Meraki, Greece
Meraki is a labour of love, or the idea that you can bring others and yourself happiness by giving your undivided attention to a task, especially a creative or artistic one—like cooking. It’s about doing things with love leaving a part of you in that task.
16. Azart, Russia
The Russian word azark is all about taking life by the horns and finding passion and excitement – often from activities that would make many other cultures feel uncomfortable. Think about scary movies, or sky diving or rolling around in the snow after nice warm sauna. Azart is about exploring the zeal of life.
17. Keyif, Turkey
In Turkey, Keyif is all about practicing the art of quiet relaxation and living in the moment – like mindfulness. It’s about savouring the simple moments in life, spending some time alone and resetting.
18. Saudade, Brazil
Unlike many of the other happiness ideas from around the world, this concept is also a bit sad. Saudade is about a feeling of melancholy, longing and nostalgia for a happiness that once was or will never happen again. It’s a bitter-sweet memory that tugs at your heart-strings. Portuguese writer Manuel de Melo describes the concept as “a pleasure you suffer, an ailment you enjoy.”
19. Jayus, Indonesia
I love this one and I know a lot of people who embody this concept. In fact, I actually think the English translation for Jayus should be ‘dad joke.’ The actual meaning is a joke that is so unfunny, or told so badly, that you just have to laugh.
20. Ubuntu, South Africa
Ubuntu is practiced by the Bantu people across Africa. It’s a concept of common humanity and oneness. Think “I am because you are.” It acknowledges the power of togetherness and community. During the memorial service for Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama said ubuntu described his greatest gift, “that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by caring for those around us.”
21. Kafa, Bosnia
Although many people often meet for a coffee in Australia, the Bosnians have turned the concept of kafa into more of a ritual – that of regularly meeting a friend for a good long chat, over coffee. And as Cultural Atlas describes, in Bosnia, “Coffee (kafa) is usually served during a visit, usually three times. The first is the greeting coffee (dočekuša), the second is the talking coffee (razgovoruša or brbljavuša) and the final coffee is meant to signify the time when guests are expected to leave, known as ‘kandžija’ or ‘sikteruša’.”
Do you know any other happiness ideas from around the world? Let us know in the comments below!