White, round little trolls with a snout like a hippopotamus. They might not sound like something you'd immediately become a fan of. Yet, (almost) the entire world has had a soft spot for the Moomins for eighty years. Read on!
The Moomins are those gentle, friendly creatures who live in a valley somewhere in Finland. You might recognize them from TV, or from those iconic mugs you saw at your Scandinavian-style friend's house. But the Moomins are so much more than sweet characters on tableware. They are walking life lessons, packaged in the most cuddly form imaginable.
From wartime to global phenomenon
The Moomins were created by Finnish-Swedish artist Tove Jansson. During World War II, she began writing the first Moomin story as a comfort in dark times. The result? A world where everyone is welcome, where adventure awaits around every corner, and where it's okay to be different.
That first book was published in 1945, meaning the Moomins are turning eighty this year. Not bad for a bunch of trolls living in a blue wooden house. In those eighty years, the stories have been translated into more than sixty languages and have captured the hearts of millions, from little children to adults who secretly still believe in the magic of Moominvalley.
Life lessons you already knew
What makes the Moomins so special is their seemingly simple yet profound view of life. Take Moominpappa, who once said, "The world is full of wonderful and wondrous things for those who are open to it." Or Snufkin, the free-spirited wanderer with his harmonica, who learns that you can only be truly free if you don't care too much about other people's opinions.
And then, of course, there's Moominmamma, the ultimate comfort person. Always with a jar of jam at the ready and a listening ear. She embodies what the Moomin universe is all about: warmth, acceptance, and the art of simply being there for each other.
The message? Everyone belongs in Moominvalley. Whether you're a bit of an outsider, easily frightened, or just not sure where you belong, there's always a place at the Moomins' kitchen table.
Small happiness in Scandinavian style
For those who love beautiful things, the Moomins are also a design icon. Since the 1990s, the Finnish brand Arabia has been making porcelain mugs featuring Moomin illustrations based on original drawings by Tove Jansson. And yes, these mugs have become collector's items. Some limited editions sell for thousands of euros.
But you don't have to spend a fortune to bring a little Moomin happiness into your home. From enamel mugs to cozy placemats, the selection is extensive, and the quality is typically Scandinavian: timeless design that will last for years. Just the kind of things that bring you joy, without them ending up in the recycling bin after just one season.
Why the Moomins are relevant right now
In a world that sometimes feels upside down, there's something reassuring about the Moomins. They teach us that it's okay to be afraid, as long as you're brave enough to keep going. That true friendship doesn't have to be perfect. And that happiness often lies in the little things: a cup of tea, a walk in nature, or simply being with the people you love.
As Moomintroll himself once said, "Everything is so uncertain, and that's precisely what reassures me." A bit paradoxical, perhaps, but also exactly the kind of wisdom you pause to consider on an ordinary Tuesday morning.
Want to (re)discover the Moomins?
Start with the books; they're just as enjoyable for adults as they are for children. Or get yourself something fun from Moomin and turn your daily moments into a little ritual. Because if the Moomins teach us anything, it's this: take time for the things that matter.
Moomin shopping in the Netherlands
Looking for Moomin products? At Happlify Crew member Ollebol & Muis , you'll find a wonderful selection. From atmospheric Moomin lamps and cuddly plush Moomins to wooden cards, notebooks, and fun gifts like candlesticks and keychains. Perfect for yourself or as a unique Moomin gift for another Moomin fan.
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