Saami village in the Murmansk region: photo, reviews, excursions

On the territory of Russia there are many small peoples, who even in the era of globalization manage to maintain their identity. They honor their traditions, still continue to worship the same gods as their ancestors, lead in many ways a primordial way of life. One of such peoples is the Saami who live on the Kola Peninsula. Every year tourists come here from different cities to get to know this amazing ethnic group more closely. A well-known landmark is the real Saami village in the Murmansk region, where the museum "Sam syit" is located. Here they will tell and show how the real Saami live. Visitors are waiting for a lot of interesting

Who are the Saami?

The Saami are a small people belonging to the Finno-Ugric group. Representatives of the Saami live on the territory of four states - Russia, Finland, Sweden and Norway. The total population is about 50,000 people, but in Russia there are quite a few - less than two thousand. They live mainly on the Kola Peninsula. For the general public, the most famous is the Sami village in the Murmansk region, where local guests are invited and where traditional dwellings are equipped to show tourists.

Origins and related peoples

As already mentioned, the Saami have relatives in neighboring Scandinavian countries. They call themselves Sami (Sam), which has much in common with the Finnish designation suomi (suomi). In ancient times, the Slavs called them lobars. Ethnologists say that it was from this name that Lapland originated. What significance this word would have now, unfortunately, is reliably unknown. One version is the designation of a people who live far away, since Lappe in Finnish and Estonian stands for "far", "last."

Mentioned about the inhabitants of these lands are found in the memories of travelers as far back as the 16th century.

At the beginning of the XX century, the Russian Geographical Society organized a large expedition to the lands of the Saami to study the life, culture and origins of this ethnos. In 1927, several scientists went to find out where the Saami village is located. In the Murmansk region, several such objects were discovered. They subsequently published their observations. A very valuable material about this people was collected. In the second half of the 20th century, the Saami tales were even published, recorded from the words of the Saami just during this ethnographic expedition.

How to get there

The Saami village in the Murmansk region lies in the depths of the Kola Peninsula, and you can reach it only by car. First it is necessary to fly (or take a train) to Murmansk, and from there, by car on the bypass road, move towards St. Petersburg. From the main road it is necessary to turn towards Revda and Lovozero. Take into account: in spite of the fact that the road from the highway is asphalted, the quality of the cover is very mediocre, so it's necessary to go carefully. Many prefer to book a taxi, since all local drivers know where the Saami village is located. The Murmansk region is quite large, but it is easy to navigate in it, as there are enough pointers to avoid getting lost. On the way to the Saami there are beautiful views of the harsh but very picturesque nature.

History of the Saami

Scientists are convinced that the Saami are descendants of peoples who, in ancient times, settled these territories. There are annalistic evidence that in Karelia there is a severe northern people with special customs and traditions. The ancient ancestors of the local residents even left drawings on the rocks. At the excavations were found the remains of ancient tools, which were made of stone.

Some researchers have suggested that the Saami in some way are relatives of the South Siberian nationalities. This indicates a lot of similarities in languages and in appearance. Perhaps, once these tribes lived together, but due to unknown reasons, we split: some left, and the second chose to stay. Now, only the Saami village in the Murmansk region, or rather its inhabitants, tells the descendants of their life style.

Religious beliefs

The Saami were originally pagans. Their beliefs have much in common with the religious beliefs of the Saami in Scandinavia, but there are also their own characteristics.

The Saami have a very strong cult and cult of their ancestors. Each of the types of fishing - fishing, hunting and reindeer herding - has its own master spirit, which protects against diseases and helps in work. The sacrifice of animals is widely spread to appease the spirits and ensure their favor.

The cult of ancestors is particularly distinguished. It was believed that the deceased continue to help their living relatives, even affect the weather and help during hunting or fishing. Therefore, the dead were coaxed, sacrificed and fed.

At the moment, almost all the Sami are Christians. However, the rituals remained for a rather long time. Now they are held only for the entertainment of tourists who want to personally know what is and what lives the Sami village in the Murmansk region. Photos of such events are always bright, original, colorful.

National holidays and customs

One of the most amazing national holidays of the Saami is the bearish merrymaking - "Tull Sir" in the Sami. In ancient times, among the Sami, one of the most revered animals was a bear. He was respected, but at the same time he was afraid. At the end of the 20th century, according to the decision of the National Cultural Center, Tall Sire was revived. As part of the holiday , bear hunting is imitated , and sports are held between the most courageous and dexterous Sami.

Also, the traditions of the summer Saami games are revived. This event includes extensive folk festivals with performances of ethnographic collectives. One can be sure that the Sami village in the Murmansk region takes an active part in these activities. Reviews and impressions of the audience then remain only the most positive.

The city of Olenegorsk also hosts the annual festival of Lappish music. It was first organized in 1996. The Saami village is also actively involved in these activities. In the Murmansk region. There are all conditions for demonstrating in all its glory the folk way of life and customs of local natives. The Saami, like many years ago, themselves sew their own costumes and outfits, only now to performances.

The open-air museum "Sam syit"

Recently, the museum "Sam sity" has gained great popularity, where everyone can get acquainted with the life and culture of the Saami. There is a regular excursion to the Sami village. The Murmansk region is the only region where the Sami are represented in Russia.

Right here on the street there are wooden images of Sami idols. They say that to fulfill the coveted desire it is necessary to embrace the statue, whisper the desire and coax it with a yellow coin. The Saami sincerely believe that such communication with spirits helps to solve pressing issues.

Judging by the reviews, the townspeople really like a small zoo where indigenous representatives of the fauna of the Kola Peninsula are kept: northern blue foxes, foxes and rabbits. The latter often walk around the village on their own. Also there live real reindeers. Guests are required to show and tell in detail about these amazing animals that helped in their time to survive a man in harsh natural conditions. They can even be fed, which brings the children to the same delight. Yes, and adults, judging by the reviews, remain under the impression of communicating with the noble handsome. The local reindeer breeder is ready to talk for hours about his wards, who are completely tame and absolutely not afraid of man.

On the streets of the village there are Kuvaks - a national kind of dwelling, in which the Sami lived and sheltered from the weather. Visitors note that they have not seen anything like this before, which, incidentally, is quite understandable. But this does not become less interesting.

Entertainment

For guests who have come here, a lot of entertainment and activities are prepared. Here you can taste traditional Saami food - fried venison fire. According to visitors, this is a very tasty and fragrant dish, which perfectly satisfies hunger after examining the possessions of the Saami. And what a delight you feel from walking on a reindeer team! It is impossible to describe in words, you just need to feel.

Near the village there is a spring lake "Seven keys of the Saami". A special ritual is also associated with him: you need to approach, wash, throw a coin in the lake and thank the spirit of the lake for the hospitality. You can swim in it if the weather permits.