The northern lights and Sami culture

The northern lights, or "guovssahas" as they are called in Sami, have a special place in Sami culture. The Sami, who are one of Sweden's indigenous peoples, have long regarded the northern lights as a powerful and mysterious phenomenon, with both respect and reverence.

The role of the northern lights in Sami tradition

In Sami folklore, the northern lights have had several meanings, often associated with the spirit world. A common belief was that the Northern Lights were a result of the souls of the dead dancing in the sky. This gave the Northern Lights an almost sacred status, and there were rules and taboos about how to behave when witnessing it.

Waving, whistling or otherwise trying to catch the attention of the Northern Lights was considered dangerous and disrespectful. It was believed that these actions could provoke the spirits, which could lead to misfortune or harm. Therefore, people were asked to be calm and respectful when seeing the northern lights.

The northern lights in Sami mythology

The Northern Lights are also mentioned in several Sami fairy tales and myths. One such story is about a fox that ran across the mountains with its tail sweeping across the snow, creating sparks that rose into the sky and became the Northern Lights. This story has given rise to the term "foxtail" which is sometimes used to describe the northern lights.

Contemporary Sami culture and the northern lights

Even today, the northern lights have an important place in Sami culture. It is not only a scenic phenomenon but also part of Sami identity and tradition. Many Sami artists and craftsmen draw inspiration from the northern lights in their work, which reflects its continued importance in cultural expression.

In addition, the northern lights have become a central part of Sami tourism, where visitors can experience this phenomenon while learning about Sami culture and history. This combination of nature experience and cultural heritage offers a deeper understanding and respect for the Sami lifestyle and traditions.

Respect and responsibility during northern lights hunting

When we head out to experience the Northern Lights, it is important that we do so with the same respect and reverence that the Sami have shown over the centuries. Swedish Wilderness Adventures AB is committed to conveying this respect through our sustainable and culturally aware tours.

By integrating the Sami culture's view of the Northern Lights into our experiences, we hope that our guests will not only witness one of nature's most spectacular phenomena, but also gain a deeper understanding of and connection to the rich traditions of the Sami culture.