F is for Filifjonkan

Filifjonkan, (Fillyjonk in English) is a character from the Moomin tales, created by Tove Jansson. The Fillyjonk looks like a sort of cross between a rodent and a human and has a desire for freedom from worries and to not have to be tied down to anything. We meet Filifjonkan when she accompanies Snorkmaiden on a trip to a wishing well, where we learn of her preoccupation with disaster. She believes strongly in tradition and due to the fact that she clings to these sorts of thoughts, she is unable to experience the freedom or happiness that the Moomin family have. 

I've loved this character ever since I heard my boyfriend's sister in law call her tiny little daughter (the cutest little girl in the world) 'Filifjonkan' whilst affectionately tickling her. The name always reminds me of that little girls delightful squeals :)

Whilst Filifjonkan is a relatively minor character, I think that in terms of psychology she is one that many of us can relate to. The ties we have to our own minds and the thoughts that prevent true freedom are something that is explored within this character. I think we're all secretly striving for the happiness and freedom of thought found within the Moomin family. 

the little nordic cabin

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F is for Fredagsmys

When I visited Sweden for the first time, I was introduced to a relatively new Swedish tradition: Fredagsmys. The word 'Fredag' means Friday and 'mys' translates to cozy. Friday coziness.

The idea behind this, is that after a long week of hard work, Friday evenings are for sitting down with your family and friends, having some candy and watching a film together. In my little introvert eyes, it’s the perfect tradition, and Bjorn and I observe it almost religiously.

If you stop by around 4pm on a Friday afternoon, you will almost certainly find us putting on our comfy clothes, pulling various ice-cream tubs/bags of crisps/bags of mixed candy/masses of chocolate out of the cupboards and settling down in our little sofa-fort for an evening of snacking, giggling and watching Lord of the Rings marathons.

Fredagsmys has become so iconic in Sweden, that the word even made it into the dictionary in 2007.

In my opinion, this is more of a winter tradition than a summer one and there are many people who are actually against it, stating that it is unhealthy to spend your evenings in this way. I don’t really see the harm, personally. The Swedes are amongst the most active people, in my view. It is rare to take a walk and not see people running or hiking or doing bizarre sports involving wheels and walking poles. Our summer evenings are usually spent sat outdoors, dipping our toes in the lake or taking hazy walks around the forest, so why not dedicate one day a week during the winter to eat sugary foods and lounge around on the sofa? It is tradition, afterall!

So how about tonight? Will you be joining me for fredagsmys? Yes? Go now, up to your room and put on your pyjamas and then come down and crack open the ice-cream. Cozy, right?

(Pictures lovingly taken from here & here)

I'm sorry for not being able to visit all of you yesterday, these last couple of days have been unexpectedly busy and tonight I'm taking a very long train journey through Sweden, but I promise to come visit you all, as soon as possible! Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and support, you made me a very happy girl!

inspire nordic