4 Surprising Facts About the Northern Lights and Sámi Culture

Ah, the Northern Lights, nature’s own celestial dance, painting the Arctic skies in ribbons of green, purple, and gold. For centuries, this breathtaking phenomenon has fascinated and inspired people across the world. In Norway, travelers venture far into the north to witness the magic of the aurora borealis, where the crisp night air and untouched landscapes create the perfect stage. And according to NASA scientists, 2026 is set to be one of the most spectacular viewing years in decades, thanks to heightened solar activity.

The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, igniting the sky in shimmering waves of color. This breathtaking display, powered by solar winds, is nature’s way of turning physics into art that is visible only in the world’s polar skies.

The Sun follows an approximately 11-year cycle of rising and falling activity and its own cosmic rhythm. We are now approaching the peak, known as the solar maximum, expected in late 2025. As the Sun ramps up its energy output, it sends more charged particles streaming toward Earth. This means that 2026 is poised to deliver one of the most frequent and dazzling Northern Lights displays in years, with vivid colors dancing across the polar skies more often than usual.

The Arctic Circle, along with the northern parts of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the Russian Kola Peninsula, is home to the indigenous Sami people, known for their reindeer herding. If you’re planning to visit the Arctic in search of the Northern Lights, here are four interesting facts you should know.

1. You should not point out the Northern Lights with your hand.

According to the Sami mythology, the Northern Lights are believed to be manifestations of ancestral spirits, and living people should avoid doing anything that might upset them. In Sami indigenous beliefs, when a person dies, the spirits of ancestors continue to play an integral role in daily life. They are thought to manifest as birds and powerful winds that can topple trees. Some spirits are believed to return temporarily to herd and safeguard reindeer before ascending to eternal life, while others return in the form of the Northern Lights.

In Sami culture, it was believed that insulting the Northern Lights could bring misfortune or even punishment. Some traditions held that if you showed disrespect or made loud noises while the lights were visible, you could anger the spirits associated with them, leading to negative consequences. The Northern Lights were seen as powerful, spiritual beings, and it was important to treat them with reverence and respect so pointing them with a hand was not appropriate.

2. Children should go inside when they saw Northern Lights

Children were often told to go inside during the appearance of the Northern Lights to avoid accidentally offending the spirits believed to inhabit them.

In addition to this spiritual reasoning, there were practical considerations. The Northern Lights typically appear in the sky around midnight, with the best viewing times usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. By sending children indoors, parents not only protected them from potential spiritual consequences but also ensured they weren’t out too late, as it was already time for them to be inside and resting. This dual-purpose tradition helped keep children safe and aligned with cultural beliefs.

3. Women should always were a hat outdoors

In the past, Sami women were often too afraid to go outside without covering their heads with a hat. They believed that the Northern Lights could set their hair on fire, a deeply rooted fear linked to the spiritual power of the auroras. The Sami also thought that the Northern Lights had a voice of their own and could communicate.

Various folklore traditions suggested that the lights were not merely a beautiful spectacle but also a force capable of punishing those who misbehaved. Many stories were passed down through generations, warning of individuals who had faced the wrath of the Northern Lights' spirits for failing to show proper respect or for behaving poorly. These tales served both as spiritual warnings and as a means to instill respect for nature's powerful and mysterious forces.

4. The Northern Lights Were Used to Forecast Weather

It was believed that the Northern Lights could serve as a natural weather forecast. People often looked to the auroras for signs of upcoming weather, interpreting their colors and patterns as clues about changes in the atmosphere. For instance, red or pink auroras are often seen as harbingers of calm weather, suggesting that tranquility may soon follow. A bright red sky can signal the arrival of clear and pleasant conditions. In contrast, the more common greenish auroras serve as clues for impending weather changes, often indicating the likelihood of storms or rain on the horizon. Furthermore, yellow or blue auroras can be interpreted as signs of colder temperatures or the potential for incoming snow, highlighting the intricate connection between the auroras and our weather patterns. Discover the captivating Sami reindeer herding culture, where ancient beliefs and traditions thrive within the stunning Arctic landscape. Join Visit Natives's Trips for an unforgettable journey as you spend a few days with Sami reindeer herders in the breathtaking wilderness of Northern Norway. This unique, immersive experience not only allows you to connect with the majestic Arctic environment but also offers a profound appreciation of the rich Sami heritage, transforming your Norway trip into an extraordinary adventure. Don’t miss this chance to enrich your travels!