The Sami, an indigenous people living in the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, have a unique way of dividing the year. Instead of the usual four seasons, they have eight seasons. This division reflects the subtle changes in climate and nature's behavior, which are essential to their traditional way of life and reindeer husbandry.
Spring marks the beginning of the thaw. Snow and ice begin to melt and the days get longer and warmer. For the Sami this marks the start of the reindeer's migration to their summer grazing grounds. They are preparing for calving time, a crucial period when the reindeer give birth to their young. This season symbolizes renewal and hope.
During the early summer, the reindeer calve. The weather gets warmer and vegetation begins to grow. This provides the young calves with the nutrients they need to survive and grow. It is a time of abundance and new life, and the Sami take great care of the young animals.
Summer is a time of plenty. The reindeer graze on the lush meadows and the Sami take advantage of the long days to gather food. They pick berries, fish and hunt. This season is crucial for gathering supplies that will get them through the long winter. It is also a time for social gatherings and festivals.
Summer is a time of plenty. The reindeer graze on the lush meadows and the Sami take advantage of the long days to gather food. They pick berries, fish and hunt. This season is crucial for gathering supplies that will get them through the long winter. It is also a time for social gatherings and festivals.
In autumn, reindeer are slaughtered for food and materials. The Sami select the animals to survive the winter and prepare the meat for storage. This season is also a time of intensive hunting. The landscape turns into a palette of autumn colours and temperatures begin to drop.
The pre-winter brings cold and the first snow. The reindeer move to their winter grazing grounds. The Sami prepare their homes and equipment for the harsh winter. This season is a period of adaptation to the coming darkness and cold.
Winter is long and dark. Life slows down and the Sami spend a lot of time indoors. They engage in handicrafts, such as making clothes and utensils from reindeer skin and bones. It is a time of rest, reflection and community.
Spring-winter marks the transition in which the days get longer again, but the cold remains. The Sami use this time to repair their equipment and prepare for the approaching spring. The first signs of thaw appear, but snow is still plentiful.