Greenland, the world’s largest island located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, is a fascinating place of unique cultures and traditions. As part of an educational curriculum or multicultural learning experience, it’s essential to explore and understand the various religious beliefs that have shaped Greenland’s culture for centuries.
The Inuit people make up the majority of the Greenlandic population, and within this article, we will discuss their traditional religious beliefs along with the advent of Christianity into Greenlandic society. This comprehensive guide will outline how to teach students about Greenlandic religion effectively while promoting understanding and respect for this amazing people’s beliefs.
1. The Pre-Christian Era – Inuit Traditional Religion
Start by teaching your students about Inuit traditional religion, which dates back thousands of years before the conversion to Christianity:
a) Animism: Explain that Inuit traditional religion is based on animism. This belief system holds that every living being and natural object has a soul or spirit. The Inuit people live in harmony with nature, honoring its spiritual power and relying on it for their survival.
b) Silla: Teach students about Silla – a life force that binds the entire natural world together. This omnipresent spirit provides guidance to those who are in tune with it.
c) Angakkoq: Discuss “angakkoq,” a shaman who plays an essential role in exploring the supernatural world and assisting in searching for reliable prey locations through ritual communication.
d) Storytelling: Introduce your students to Inuit myths and legends passed down through generations through Igloolik oral traditions or storytelling sessions. These captivating tales influenced the belief system and cultural identity of the Inuit people.
2. Gifting from God: Introducing Christianity
The introduction of Christianity played a significant role in shaping Greenland’s modern religious landscape:
a) Norse Colonization: Highlight how Norse settlers arrived in Greenland towards the late 10th century, bringing with them the Norse gods and later converting to Christianity in the early 11th century.
b) The Danish Impact: Explain the arrival of Danish missionaries in the early 18th century, along with their attempts to Christianize the Inuit population. Discuss how Christianity was eventually embraced due to its compatibility with Inuit spirituality.
c) Explorer’s Influence: Discuss the role of explorers such as Hans Egede, Otto Fabricius, and Poul Egede in spreading Christianity across Greenland.
3. Present Day: Predominantly Christian Greenland
In contemporary times, most Greenlanders identify themselves as Christians:
a) Lutheran Church: Educate your students about how the majority of Greenlanders adhere to the Lutheran Church, which has been under the Danish National Church since 1907.
b) Modern-day Religious Practices: Talk about how traditional Inuit religious practices have blended with Christian beliefs – a prime example being “kaffemik,” a social event celebrated for birthdays, weddings, or religious holidays that is rooted in both Christianity and Inuit tradition.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Greenlandic religion broadens their cultural horizons by understanding its unique history while also fostering empathy and mutual respect for diverse belief systems. By including both Inuit traditional beliefs and Christianity’s introduction into daily life, students will gain insight into modern-day Greenland religions as a result of historical transformations.
