Celebrating Sami Culture: Unity andance in Challenging Times
Table of Contents
In teh heart of the Northern Calotte,the Sami people celebrate their heritage with a profound sense of unity and resilience. Elin Hesjevik, leader of the South Sami regional team, shares her insights on the significance of Sami culture and the importance of standing together in times of turmoil.
Honoring Ancient traditions
The Sami celebrate their reindeer husbandry, a practice deeply ingrained in their way of life. hesjevik describes the scene of sami following their flock over Finnmarksvidda, under a winter sky with stars. This tradition is not just a way of life but a connection to their ancestors and the natural world.
Similarly, the seashaps, or those who make their living at sea, are celebrated for their knowledge of the sea and its mysteries. The little man who goes out with his shark, the seag, and the midnight sun are all part of this rich tapestry of Sami culture.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The Sami also honor their ancient joik, a form of song that tells the stories of their ancestors. Hesjevik notes that the rhythm of joik brings forth memories of those who have passed, and their spirits are seen in the Northern Lights. This cultural practice is a testament to the Sami’s deep connection to their heritage and the natural world.
additionally, the art of duodji, the traditional sami craft, is celebrated. Women who reconstruct old kofts, once forgotten, are recognized for their efforts in preserving this ancient art form.Even those who engage in more modern practices, like foraging for berries, are part of this cultural continuum.
Unity in Diversity
Hesjevik emphasizes that the festivity extends to all Sami, regardless of their lifestyle or location. Whether they are mountain Sami, seamen, or city dwellers, all are part of the same community. The nurse and the patient, the teacher and the student, the journalist and the newspaper reader—all are celebrated as part of the Sami culture.
This inclusivity is crucial, especially in times of turmoil and despair. Hesjevik stresses the importance of community and tolerance, urging the Sami to stand together and recognize their shared humanity. It is indeed through unity that they can lift their culture and preserve their heritage.
A Day of Celebration
February 6th marks the day of the Sami people. Hesjevik invites everyone to join in the celebration, emphasizing the need for unity among the Sami. Whether it’s the everyday Sami or the festive Sami, all are welcome to participate and honor their shared culture.
key points Summary
| Aspects of Sami Culture | Description |
|————————|————-|
| Reindeer Husbandry | Following flocks over Finnmarksvidda, under the winter sky. |
| Seashaps | Knowledge of the sea and its mysteries. |
| Ancient Joik | Songs that tell the stories of ancestors. |
| Duodji | Traditional sami craft, reconstructing old kofts. |
| Unity | Celebrating all Sami, regardless of lifestyle or location. |
Conclusion
In times like thes, where the wind brings words of turmoil and despair, the Sami people stand united, celebrating their culture and recognizing their shared humanity. As Hesjevik aptly puts it, “We are part of the same community. we lift the culture together.” Happy birthday, Sami people.
Interested in sharing your thoughts? Submit your text to [email protected].
This article is based on the insights provided by Elin Hesjevik, leader of the South Sami regional team, and aims to highlight the importance of unity and cultural preservation among the Sami people.
Celebrating sami Culture: Unity and Resilience in Challenging Times
In the heart of the Northern Calotte, the Sami people celebrate their heritage with a profound sense of unity and resilience.Elin Hesjevik, leader of the South Sami regional team, shares her insights on the meaning of sami culture and the importance of standing together in times of turmoil.
Honoring Ancient Traditions
Senior Editor: Can you tell us about the significance of reindeer husbandry in Sami culture?
Elin Hesjevik: Reindeer husbandry is deeply ingrained in our way of life. Following flocks over Finnmarksvidda under a winter sky with stars is more than just a practice; it’s a connection to our ancestors and the natural world.
Senior Editor: How do the seashaps, or those who make their living at sea, contribute to Sami culture?
Elin Hesjevik: The seashaps bring a wealth of knowledge about the sea and it’s mysteries. Stories like the little man who goes out with his shark,the seag,and the midnight sun are all part of our rich cultural tapestry.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Senior Editor: What role do ancient joiks play in preserving Sami heritage?
Elin Hesjevik: Joiks are songs that tell the stories of our ancestors. The rhythm of joik brings forth memories of those who have passed, and their spirits are seen in the Northern Lights. This practice is a testament to our deep connection to our heritage and the natural world.
Senior Editor: Can you tell us about the art of duodji and its importance?
elin Hesjevik: Duodji is the traditional Sami craft, such as reconstructing old kofts. Women who engage in this art form are recognized for their efforts in preserving this ancient practice. Even those who engage in more modern practices, like foraging for berries, are part of this cultural continuum.
Unity in Diversity
Senior Editor: How does the celebration of Sami culture include all members of the community?
Elin Hesjevik: Our festivity extends to all Sami, nonetheless of their lifestyle or location. Whether thay are mountain Sami, seamen, or city dwellers, all are part of the same community. This inclusivity is crucial, especially in times of turmoil and despair.
Senior Editor: What is the importance of community and tolerance in preserving Sami culture?
Elin Hesjevik: Community and tolerance are essential. We must stand together and recognize our shared humanity. It is indeed through unity that we can lift our culture and preserve our heritage.
A Day of Celebration
Senior Editor: Can you tell us about the significance of February 6th for the Sami people?
Elin Hesjevik: February 6th marks the day of the Sami people. I invite everyone to join in the celebration, emphasizing the need for unity among the sami. Whether it’s the everyday Sami or the festive Sami, all are welcome to participate and honour our shared culture.
Key Points Summary
| Aspects of Sami Culture | Description |
|---|---|
| Reindeer Husbandry | Following flocks over Finnmarksvidda, under the winter sky. |
| Seashaps | Knowledge of the sea and its mysteries. |
| Ancient Joik | Songs that tell the stories of ancestors. |
| Duodji | Traditional Sami craft, reconstructing old kofts. |
| Unity | Celebrating all Sami,regardless of lifestyle or location. |
Conclusion
In times like these, where the wind brings words of turmoil and despair, the Sami people stand united, celebrating their culture and recognizing their shared humanity. As Hesjevik aptly puts it, “We are part of the same community. We lift the culture together.” Happy birthday, Sami people.
Interested in sharing your thoughts? Submit your text to [email protected].
