Easter in Sapmi

Easter was just a perfect time to visit Kautokeino, and get to experience and understand more about the Saami culture. I got to see a lot, thanks to my ever enthusiastic host Sara Victoria.

Among other things I experienced a world cup competition on reindeer driving. It's an important happening on Easter Saturday and the local people really dress up in their regalia, which gives the whole happening a really festive outlook. Others come to follow the race by scooters and in a very relaxed way people make fires to grill something to eat and make coffee and enjoy the sunshine sitting on reindeer skins and chatting. And the best thing for Saamis is to have all the family and relatives gathered together for Easter.

The nature in the north is very different even from that in Southern Finland where I live. There is still a meter snow in the end of April. Its legal to drive scooter, which is the most practical way of getting around in a village in the midst of thundra, until the first week of May, but the temptation to keep driving is big, since the weather allows it quite a bit longer.The amount of light is also different; the midwinter night is long gone and now it's dark only for three hours at night...so it's all light and bright when we finish the talks and prayers and hit the bed.

Kautokeino is a cultural capital of the Saami people, but what I found intriguing is the amount of tourists it gathers, especially on Easter. We had some gatherings for believers, and people from different nations showed up. Many people come to north to seek sprituality, either from the nature or the ancient Norse worship places on the mountains, and many spritually sensitive people are drawn there. I think it's encouraging, and I really felt there are open doors to speak into many people's lives there when something has first been established in the spirit locally. In the remote areas the need for discipleship is great, and I have someone in the village now seeking for a job for me so that I might maybe stay there for some time in the future.    

Comments

[Tim the Enchanter]

Fascinating post Niina. I would love to go back to Kautokeino some day.