Gezellig: “A perfect example of untranslatability is seen in the Dutch language through the word gezellig, which does not have an English equivalent. Literally, it means cozy, quaint, or nice, but can also connote time spent with loved ones, seeing a friend after a long absence, or general togetherness.” - Wikipedia
I learned the word Gezellig some years ago while I was living in Holland. Actually, Littetree was conceived in Holland; Purple and I were living on a yacht in Amsterdam, preparing to sail to Brazil when Littetree came into existence.
I don't celebrate Christmas; I'm not a Christian, nor do I go in for mass consumerism gifting and such. In any case, I don't have any relatives with whom to celebrate. To exacerbate matters, Littletree asked if she could have a sleepover at a friend’s house, and be, being quite ignorant of the date, said “sure”. Only after it was too late did I realise it was Christmas Eve.
So I woke up Christmas morning feeling a little flat, like any other day. Purple came in to my room for a morning lie-in and we decided to invite my ladyfriend over for brunch.
Pancakes with alcohol-soaked cherries (a fortunate by-product of our amazing homemade organic cherry liqueur), drizzled in maple syrup, coffee, and two of the people I love most in the world. Tipsy laughs, listening to good music and then lying down to watch The Beatles movie Help!
We didn’t have a tree, we didn’t have any decorations or presents, just love and presence.
So very Gezellig and entirely the best Christmas Ever.
And of course, Littletree came home in the afternoon, friend in tow, for another sleepover.
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(longtime reader, first time commenter) :)
ReplyDeletei love that word!
We say "gesellig" here in Switzerland, I think, it's the same word:)
ReplyDeleteConvivial for gesellig
Warm regards
~Orianne~
totally gorgeous.....looks like you and Purple are getting on again! Yay! And we had a similarly quiet day, with gastro and no water thrown in, and an alcohol soaked christmas cake that we got in a hamper from the Nimbin neighborhood centre:) Love the word gezellig too:)
ReplyDeleteThanks all :)
ReplyDeleteHellena, yes, Purple and I are getting on well again. Not getting back together at all, but it's nice to have my best friend back!
Hope you're all feeling better now!
I think the german equivalent of what you are describing is gemütlichkeit. I have always loved and cherished those moments and glad that there is a word for it even if it isn't in my native language. =)
ReplyDeleteI think the german equivalent of what you are describing is gemütlichkeit. I have always loved and cherished those moments and glad that there is a word for it even if it isn't in my native language. =)
ReplyDeleteMmmmm I note you are wearing green, oh Majik Faerie! Well that's a very interesting word. Interesting is the most non word in the english language. Officially! The Etymological Society of The Grand Order decreed this...ummm 2002 I think. and as for that dutch thing, apparently if you play Led Zeppellin IV backwards and say the word motherfukker in Swahilli at the same time, well at the right moment in the right song, with the correct pronounciation, it is possible to access the 7th Dimension. Which kind, sort, sometimes feels like home sweet home. Soft, mushy, gushy...lovely...y'know....
ReplyDeletelol ansanity!
ReplyDelete