Uno Harva
Lappalaisten uskonto
"Lappalaisten uskonto" by Uno Harva is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the religious beliefs and practices of the Sámi people, commonly known as Lappalaiset, focusing on their mythology, rituals, and the evolution of their spiritual practices over time. It presents a scholarly examination of the various elements of Sámi religion, including ancestor worship, natural deities, and the relationship between their traditional beliefs and later Christian influences. The opening of the work sets the stage by providing a detailed introduction to the geographical and cultural background of the Sámi people. It describes their way of life, including their subsistence methods and the diversity of their communities across regions like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The author outlines the historical context of Sámi spiritual beliefs, introducing key themes that will be expanded in subsequent chapters, such as ancestor worship and the significance of natural elements in their religious practices. Harva hints at a complex interplay between ancient beliefs and external religious influences, thereby emphasizing the ongoing evolution of Sámi spirituality.