Try it today with someone you want to know better or with an old friend to catch up!
I suppose when it gets to be -7 degrees Fahrenheit and the only glimpse of sunlight is from ten a.m. to three p.m., one needs to try to find ways to stave off the dullness and monotony of sluggish winter days. I'm actually not particularly sure of how this tradition began; however, I think that this practice plays a strong role in forming communal bonds between old and new friends.
Swedish people in general, seem to have a good grasp of prioritizing what they believe to be truly important. This is evident by their approach to the environment, their healthy work-life balance, and even in this tradition of fika. These regular, daily events allow relationships to thrive, fueled by the intentionality of the people involved. I think that this practice helps people center and refocus on the present moment and the other people around them at that moment.
Absolutely! I think that even in a simple tradition like fika, one can see how the Swedish people care for their environment. One of the first things that struck me when I first settled in Stockholm was how clean everything was. When I took out my trash for the first time, I realized why. Here, the trash is separated into many different categories such as "plastic wrapping", "metallic packaging", "food waste", "corrugated cardboard", and "hard plastics". I think that this level of waste management really points to how much the Swedish respect nature and seek to reduce their carbon footprint.
