A noaidi or noaide is a mediator between earthly world and the spirit world. The noaidi use a Sami drum and a domestic flute called a "fadno" in ceremonies. The traditional Sámi chant—the joik—was used in ceremonies where a noaidi fell in a trance, left their body, and transcended to the divine world of "saivo" where they negotiated with gods, spirits, and forefathers to improve the fate of their group. As with other circumpolar religions, the Sámi religion also has a hunting ceremony especially for bears as part of its bear cult. Elements of Norse mythology, as well as Christian ideas, are found in the later years of Sámi religion.
In ancient Sami society males confessed to sacrificial male gods, and females to female fertility gods. Sacrifice of animals and metal objects was also included in some religious ceremonies. "White" animals (white reindeer, cows, sheep, etc.) played an important role.
Sámi people in northern Scandinavia today belong to the main Christian churches. During recent years, there has been a movement in some churches to encourage the use of the Sámi language and culture in expressing the Christian faith. Official Sámi bodies exist today in the Lutheran Church of Sweden and Church of Norway, as well as in the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden. A revival of traditional Sami religion has also taken root.
Read more about this topic: Sami Religion