Three matriarchal deities guard the family

The dwelling’s three deities are female entities that protect and assist the family. These aahkah (older women, grandmothers) were present when we moved to a new place and erected our gåetie (homes). They build a kind of microcosm in the dwelling, regardless of its location

In our ancient Sami beliefs and traditions, the primordial goddess, Maadteraahka, and her three daughters, Joeksaahka, Saaraahka, and Oksaahka have central places in the gåetie. They guard and assist the family. Oksaahka is found closest to the door. Saaraahka stays under the aernie (the hearth), and Joksaahka in the sacred area between the aernie and båassjoeraejkie, the opening over the food storage area in the far back of the gåetie. It was common to give them small gifts and offerings as part of everyday life.

Life in the gåetie has a spiritual dimension, with its proximity to the female deities also living there

Maadteraahka is the primordial goddess and also the word for great grandmother or ancestral mother in the South Sami language. Maadteraahka is also present in the gåetie, particularly in the maadtere, the space furthest in along the wall. She is responsible for creating us humans and for guarding and protecting us. These matriarchal elements are found in many ancient tales. It is generally the aahka that come with much-needed advice and solve our various problems. Oksaahka guards the door, the okse. Saaraahka is the deity people primarily pray to. She resides in the aernie, the hearth. Saaraahka has a role in creation, as well as being the guardian of the home and the family.

There are many myths concerning the relationship between these goddesses and the birth of the human race. Maadteraahka and Saaraahka grant fertility to both humans and animals and sacrifices were made to them. Saaraahka created the girl child. Joeksaahka then transformed it into a boy child, if it was meant to be a male. Oksaahka plays a special role in protecting the little child.