Sami facts for kids
Sami can mean a few different things! It's most often used to talk about the Sami people, who are an amazing group of people living in northern Europe. It can also refer to the Sami language they speak. Sometimes, "Sami" is also a name given to people.
Contents
Sami People: Indigenous Group of Northern Europe
The Sami people are an indigenous group who live in a large area of northern Europe. This area is called Sápmi (or Lapland). Sápmi stretches across parts of four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Sami are the only indigenous people in Europe.
Where the Sami Live
The Sami homeland, Sápmi, covers a huge area. It includes the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It also includes the Kola Peninsula in Russia. This region is known for its cold climate and beautiful natural landscapes. These include forests, mountains, and tundra.
Sami Culture and Traditions
Sami culture is very rich and has been passed down through many generations. Traditional Sami life often involved reindeer herding. This practice is still important for some Sami families today. Reindeer provide food, clothing, and materials for tools.
Traditional Sami Clothing
The Sami have a special traditional dress called a gákti. The gákti is colorful and often decorated with ribbons and silver jewelry. The style and colors of a gákti can show where a person is from. They can also show if they are married or single.
Sami Music and Art
Music is a big part of Sami culture. A traditional Sami song form is called joik. A joik is a unique way of singing that often tells a story or describes a person, animal, or place. Sami art also includes beautiful handicrafts made from wood, bone, and reindeer antlers.
Sami Language: A Unique Tongue
The Sami language is a group of related languages spoken by the Sami people. There are several different Sami languages. These include North Sami, Lule Sami, and South Sami. Each of these languages is spoken in different parts of Sápmi.
Protecting Sami Languages
Like many indigenous languages, Sami languages have faced challenges. Efforts are being made to protect and teach these languages. This helps to keep the Sami culture strong for future generations. Schools in Sápmi often teach Sami languages.
