The Sami, the indigenous people of the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia, have a rich cultural heritage deeply connected to their land. Their semi-nomadic lifestyle, deeply rooted in reindeer herding, has shaped their identity and traditions for centuries. This article explores the significance of travel in Sami culture, their relationship with the land, and how they honour and preserve their environment through cultural practices.

The Essence of Sami Travel

For the Sami, travel is not just a physical journey but a cultural and spiritual necessity. Their movements are primarily dictated by the seasonal migration of reindeer, which is central to their way of life.

1. Reindeer Herding: Reindeer herding is the cornerstone of Sami culture. The herding cycle necessitates seasonal migration between coastal and inland pastures. In winter, herds are moved to coastal areas where the climate is milder and food is more accessible. Come spring, they migrate back to the inland areas for calving and summer grazing. This cyclical migration ensures the reindeer population's sustainability and the pastures' health, maintaining a balance with nature.

2. Economic and Subsistence Activities: In addition to reindeer herding, the Sami engage in other subsistence activities such as fishing, hunting, and gathering. These activities often require movement across different landscapes, from forests to tundras and rivers, ensuring a diversified and resilient way of life that is in harmony with the environment.

3. Cultural and Spiritual Journeys: The Sami also undertake journeys for cultural and spiritual reasons. Sites of historical significance, sacred places, and communal gatherings necessitate travel, fostering a sense of community and continuity of tradition. Annual events such as the Jokkmokk Winter Market in Sweden bring together Sami from different regions, reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity.

Relationship with the Land

The Sami's connection to the land is profound and multifaceted, encompassing physical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.

Sacred Landscapes and Mythology

The Sami view the land as a living entity imbued with spiritual significance. Certain landscapes, such as mountains, rivers, and rock formations, are considered sacred. These places, known as "sieidi" in Sami, are often sites of rituals and offerings to honour the spirits and gods. For instance, the sacred mountain of Saana in Finland is a significant site where offerings were historically made to the gods for good fortune and protection.

Language and Place Names

The Sami languages, which include Northern Sami, Lule Sami, and Southern Sami, among others, are rich with place names that describe the natural environment. These names often provide insights into the landscape’s features, resources, and significance. For example, “Áhkká,” meaning “old woman,” refers to a mountain in Sweden that is personified in Sami mythology as a powerful female spirit.

Significant Places

Certain locations hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Sami people, serving as anchors of their heritage and identity.

1. Jokkmokk, Sweden: Jokkmokk is home to the annual Winter Market, a tradition dating back over 400 years. This market is a trading hub and a cultural celebration, where Sami from different regions come together to share stories, music, and traditional crafts. It symbolizes the endurance of Sami culture and the importance of community.

2. Karasjok, Norway: Karasjok is a significant cultural centre for Sami in Norway. It houses the Sami Parliament (Sámediggi) and the Sami Museum. It represents the political and cultural heart of the Sami people, highlighting their ongoing struggle for recognition and rights.

3. Enontekiö, Finland: Enontekiö is a key area for Finland's reindeer herding and Sami culture. The region’s vast, unspoiled wilderness is essential for the seasonal migration of reindeer, reflecting the symbiotic relationship between the Sami and their environment.

Cultural Practices Honoring the Land

The Sami’s cultural practices are deeply intertwined with their respect for the land, manifesting in sustainable living, spiritual rituals, and artistic expressions.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is at the core of Sami land use. Reindeer herding, hunting, and fishing are conducted with a deep understanding of ecological balance. Traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, guides these practices. For instance, the Sami employ specific herding techniques to avoid overgrazing, ensuring that the reindeer do not deplete the vegetation and that the land remains fertile for future generations.

Spiritual Rituals

Sami spirituality is animistic, believing all elements of nature possess a spirit. Rituals and ceremonies often involve making offerings to these spirits to ensure harmony and prosperity. For example, during the spring migration, herders might offer parts of their catch to the spirits of the land and water, seeking their favour and protection for the journey ahead.

Joik: The Sami Song

Joik is a traditional form of song unique to the Sami. Each joik is a musical representation of a person, animal, or place, embodying its essence rather than merely describing it. Through joik, the Sami express their deep connection to the land and their community. These songs are integral to Sami's cultural heritage and are performed during important events and ceremonies.

Handicrafts (Duodji)

Sami handicrafts, or duodji, are practical and artistic, reflecting the environment and available materials. Items like clothing, tools, and jewellery are crafted using traditional techniques and natural materials like reindeer hide, wood, and bone. The designs often incorporate patterns and symbols representing elements of nature, such as snowflakes and reindeer tracks, celebrating the natural world.

Conclusion

The Sami community's relationship with the land is a testament to their deep connection to nature and commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. Travel, driven by reindeer herding, economic activities, and cultural practices, is essential to their way of life, fostering a sustainable and resilient existence. Sacred landscapes, language, and significant places anchor their identity, while cultural practices such as sustainable living, spiritual rituals, junk, and duodji honour and celebrate the land.

Understanding Sami's intricate bond with the land offers valuable insights into sustainable living and the importance of cultural preservation. In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Sami’s way of life is a powerful reminder of the need to respect and cherish the environment, ensuring its health and vitality for future generations.