Sami National Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit
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The Sami flag is hoisted on Sami National Day, and also the Sami flag is respected by singing the Sami national anthem.

Where is Sami National Day celebrated?

Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia celebrate Sami National Day on February 6.

Who is Sami National Day celebrated by?

The Sami people celebrate this day, as they are the native people of Northern Europe.

When did Sami National Day first start?

This day was first celebrated in February 1993.

Who started Sami National Day?

Representatives of the Sami National Congress started this day and made the decision during the Sami conference held in 1992.

History And Timeline

Sami National Day is celebrated each year on February 6 to recall and respect the beginning of the Sami National Congress. The congress was started by Norwegians and Swedish to find a mutual solution for their concerns. Following this, the day of celebration started in February 1993. Since then, the celebration has become popular among the indigenous people.

Designing Of The First Unofficial Flag

In 1962, Maret Stueng, an activist and Sami politician, designed the first unofficial flag. There were three colors in it. Later in the same year, a proposal for the flag including five pennants was made by Synnove Person and was introduced as the first Sami flag.

1962

Introduction Of The Official Sami Flag

During the 13th Nordic Sami Conference on August 15, 1986, the first official flag was inaugurated in Sweden. It was designed by Astrid Bahi. The colors added by Bahi were later called the Sami colors. The blue color represents the Moon and the red color the Sun.

1986

Sami Conference Helsinki

In 1992, an important resolution was made during the 15th Sami Conference that the day on which the first Sami National Congress was held in February will be celebrated as Sami National Day.

1992

First Sami National Day

1993 was when the first Sami National Day was celebrated in February, and that was when the indigenous people were proclaimed openly in Sweden by the United Nations.

1993

Official Status In Norway

In 2003, the Sami council announced the official Sami flag in Norway. The ownership of the national symbols and the flag was shared by the Sami Parliamentary Council after the 18th Sami conference.

2003

Traditions And Customs

On the celebration day, the Sami flag is hoisted in schools and public places around the country. Sami people sing the Sami national anthem in their local Sami language.

Reindeer meat and fish are cooked on this day. The Mayor of Oslo in Norway invites the Sami people to breakfast. Sami people wear their traditional clothes to celebrate the event.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Sami National Day

You can celebrate this day by reading more about the Sami people, their culture, language, and tradition. Learn the Sami National Anthem and sing along with them. Know the explanation behind the symbol and the colors used in the flag, including the red color representing the sun. You can also help people in need on this day.

Facts And Stats

  • The population of the Sami people is around 70,000, together in Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Russia, which is why this day is celebrated in all of these countries.
  • The day was finally selected in 1992, however, it was celebrated for the first time in 1993.
  • It is mandatory for the authorities of Norway to fly the Sami flag on Sami National Day.

How do people celebrate Sami National Day?

People celebrate by appreciating, recognizing, singing, and speaking the Sami language.

What is the significance of Sami National Day?

This day is an important event for the Sami people as they are recognized as a culture.

What language do the Sami people speak?

Sami people speak the Sami language.

What is the history and origin of Sami National Day?

The day originated in Norway and is celebrated in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The history dates back to 1993.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, February 06, 2020
  • Saturday, February 06, 2021
  • Sunday, February 06, 2022
  • Monday, February 06, 2023
  • Tuesday, February 06, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

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Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

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