National Symbols

The traditional, colorful costume of the Sami tells what part of the Samiland the person comes from.

It has become quite common, via media, to discuss who has the right to use the Sami costume, and where, and also whether e.g. foreign visitors are given a correct picture of the Sami and their culture.

The Sami flag was adopted on the 15th of August 1986 at the 13th Sami Conference in Åre, Sweden. The flag has been designed by Astrid Båhl. Its theme derives from the magic drum of the Sami, and the colors are traditional Sami colors. The circle symbolizes the sun and the moon. In memory of the first Sami Conference held in 1917, February the 6th is celebrated as the National Day of the Sami.

The Sami National Anthem - the Song of the Sami - has been written by Isak Saba. On August the 15th 1986, it was chosen to be the official National Anthem of the Sami. The song has been composed by Arne Sørlie.