In the spring the migratory birds come back to Sápmi. Ancient Sámi people had a special goddess who looked after the migratory birds. She was called Bárbmoáhkká (Migratory birds’ wife). When the crane was seen, they said spring had arrived. The crane was the king of all birds and it was supposed to keep track of the number of migratory birds arriving. This was to ensure the number of birds she could provide for the hunters.

 

We can only imagine the great impression the arrival of migratory birds must made on the ancient Sámi. It must have sounded like the awakening of nature. Some birds were also welcomed as good and fresh food sources.

 

This kind of knowledge and much more, available in (sadly, only in Sámi): Jahki Sámis.