The Lapp - Shepherds of the Reindeer


Lapland
The Sami are a people living in the northern parts of Norway, Finland and the Kola peninsula in Russia. They are also known as the Lapps. The region they live in is also known as Lapland . It stretches from Northern Norway to the Kola peninsula in Russia across Sweden.

The exact origins of this people is a mystery. It is generally believed that the forefathers of these people were nomadic people who inhabited Finland for thousands of years. The language they speak is also called Sami.

The Sami language comprises a number of dialects. The dialects are mutually incomprehensible.

The reindeer was the backbone of Sami economy until recently. A few centuries ago, full scale nomadism developed. However today, nomadism is on its way out. Reindeer are herded from one place to another by only one member of the family while the rest stay in modern housing. Each reindeer is individually owned,though,they are herded together. The reindeer play a role not unlike that of a camel in a desert. The Lapps derive their milk, meat and leather from these resilient animals. When the reideer are slaughtered, even their intestines are consumed as they are a source of vitamins.

The Sami have adapted professions other than reideer herdig too. Thus, in the coastal areas fishing is the primary occupation. Today, a number of Sami are involved in the tourism industry.

Surrounding countries like Finland and Norway have periodically tried to assimilate the Sami into their culture. The Sami language was prohibited in schools and in public life. In the latter half of the twentieth century, however, the Sami language experienced a renewal. Efforts were made to popularise the language. In Norway, for instance, the use of the Sami language is regulated by law.

The Sami are a resilient people fashioned by a harsh environment and an unforgiving landscape. Their story is one of strength and their ability to adapt to changing times is truly admirable.

The copyright of the article The Lapp - Shepherds of the Reindeer in World Cultures is owned by P Jerome Jayanth. Permission to republish The Lapp - Shepherds of the Reindeer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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