Joik (also spelled yoik, and also called vuolle, vuelie, luohti, juoiggus, levd, and lu’dd) is a traditional Sámi form of singing and considered to be one of Europe’s oldest musical traditions.
The following information is drawn from Beneath Northern Lights.com:
Originally joik was used in everyday life, not as a performance intended for public audiences. It was only in recent years that joik has been adapted to be suitable to perform on a stage or for a large crowd that may include non-Sámi.
Traditionally, the Sámi would joik impulsively on any occasion. A joik could be a part of telling stories, when alone on the mountain, to the reindeer, or to a beloved one.
For example:
If you have visitors, and you want to tell a story about someone, you could joik that person – or that event.
You can joik to the memory of deceased relatives or friends.
Joik your son to give him good self-esteem, and so that he feels loved and seen.
Joik a friend whom you are missing.
Present a joik to someone with whom you are seriously flirting.
Write a joik for the Pacific Sámi Searvi to introduce its podcast with (thank you, Ailloš!)
