Sami National Day 2024 (Norway): The Sámi people observe Sámi National Day on February 6 as a cultural celebration. In Trondheim, Norway, the inaugural Sámi congress was convened on this date in 1917. Samenes Nasjonaldag is an alternative name for the national holiday. The Sámi, or “Urbefolkning” in Norwegian, are an indigenous people who reside in Finland, Sweden, and Russia in addition to Norway.
The History of Sami National Day
A joint gathering of the Northern and Southern Sámi peoples took place in Trondheim, Norway, on February 6, 1917. Historical in nature, the community’s shared concerns were duly acknowledged and resolved through collaborative efforts. Recent estimates place the Sami population in the four countries at 80,000: 50,000 in Norway, 20,000 in Sweden, 8,000 in Finland, and 2,000 in Russia.
In 1992, throughout the proceedings of the 15th Sami conference in Helsinki, Sami National Day was established. Throughout history, the Sami people, who constituted a minority in four nations, were subject to social disdain. They were subjected to numerous laws to conform them to the norms of the general populace. As a consequence, the establishment of a designated day to honor them became necessary. The inaugural observance of Sámi National Day occurred on February 6, 1993. Simultaneously, the United Nations designated Sweden as the host country for the International Year of Indigenous People.
Subsequently, the Sami inhabitants of Norway have joyously observed this occasion. The national anthem and chanting are conducted in Sami, which is also the language used to sing melodies and the Sami flag.
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FAQs Regarding Sami National Day
In what manner is Sami National Day observed?
Sami National Day is observed with great enthusiasm throughout Norway and in other nations inhabited by the Sami people. Particularly in colleges, the cultural significance of the day is shared and discussed. The Sami national anthem is sung and the flag is raised in the air. The present-day attire of the Sami people includes the preparation of traditional cuisine.
In Sami, how does one express “Happy Sami Day”?
“Lihkku ālbmotbeivviin Sámi!”
What is the Sami way of life?
The Sami constitute the indigenous population of a restricted region of Russia, Finland, Northern Sweden, and Norway.
Sami National Day 2024 (Norway) Activities
Gain knowledge of the Sami people
The Sami are predominantly indigenous and are still considered a minority, but their culture is distinctive and complex. Educate yourself on their history and customs.
‘Reinsdyrkjøtt’ should be consumed.
Consume traditional Sami cuisine on Sami National Day. Reindeer meat, reinsdyrkjøtt, or fish should be tried.
Appear in conventional attire
Embracing the prevailing atmosphere is facilitated by donning the customary ‘gákti’ garment of the Sami people. Adopt Sami traditional attire in observance of the people’s heritage and culture.
Five fascinating details regarding the Sami flag
The architect of the flag
Astrid Båhl, a native of Skibotn, Norway, conceived of the Sami people’s emblem.
A deliberate color scheme was chosen.
The dimensions of the flag, which are red, blue, green, and yellow, correspond to the hues of the traditional Sami garment called ‘kolt.’
Moreover, the hues are symbolic.
The selected hues symbolize vital elements that are necessary for life to function: red for fire, green for vegetation, yellow for sunlight, and blue for water.
Both the moon and the sun
The circles on the flag stand in for both the sun and the moon.
Mandatory customs
Municipal administrative structures are required to raise both the Sami and Norwegian flags.
SAMI NATIONAL DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 6 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | February 6 | Thursday |
| 2026 | February 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 6 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 6 | Sunday |
