Do the Northern Lights bring luck?

Northern Lights beliefs, myths and stories from around the world

The auroras have inspired cultures around the world throughout history. There are many different beliefs, myths, and stories associated with the lights dancing in the sky. Below are just a few of them.

The northern and the southern lights have symbolized very different things in different cultures. For example, in some Asian countries and in the beliefs of the indigenous peoples of North America, the northern lights have been associated with happiness, fertility, or the beginning of a new life. On the other hand, in northern Europe, such as in the  Sámi tradition, the northern lights have been thought to portend war.

The Sámi people also believed that the northern lights were living beings that understood speech. It was thought that the northern lights could carry people away. For this reason, people had to be quiet when the northern lights were blazing. People were careful not to attract the northern lights, for example by stopping a reindeer-drawn sledge while the celestial lights were blazing.

Many people in Finland have heard the story of fire foxes. An old story tells that a fire fox running on snow will flick its tail into the snow, causing sparks to rise into the sky, forming the northern lights.

The Vikings, on the other hand, believed that the Northern Lights were reflections of the Valkyries' shields as they escorted fallen warriors to Valhalla.

The ancient Romans called the auroras "blood rain." In the south, the southern lights are usually red in color. The ancient Romans believed that blood rain foretold disasters and war.

Many Native American tribes believed that the northern lights were the souls of the dead dancing in the sky or the souls of ancestors sending messages to the living.

In Japan, the auroras are often associated with happiness and a good future. Seeing them is thought to bring happiness, even for the rest of your life. According to some beliefs, seeing auroras predicts a happy marriage or the birth of a child. It is also believed that a pregnancy that begins during the auroras will produce happy children. However, the dancing lights in the sky are rarely seen in Japan.

Before the auroras were understood scientifically, it was also thought to be caused by volcanic eruptions or electrical discharges in the atmosphere. It was not until the 19th century that the auroras began to be studied scientifically. Today, a variety of methods have been developed to study the celestial lights. However, there are still questions about the auroras that we do not yet know the answers to.

A few reading tips for those interested in the Northern Lights: 

Palmroth, Minna, Jussila, Jouni and Hotakainen, Markus. 2018. A Guide to the Northern Lights. Into Publishing Oy.

·       The guide includes beautiful images of the auroras and a wealth of information about them. The book was written in collaboration between space experts and northern lights enthusiasts. The guide also includes tips on finding good places to view the northern lights and developing as a northern lights photographer.

Evans, Polly. 2023. Northern Lights – A Practical Travel Guide. 4th edition. 1st edition published 2010. Brad guides Ltd.

·       Information about the Northern Lights and travel tips related to them.

Jussila, Jouni. 2002. Aurora – The Heavenly Drama of the Northern Lights. WSOY.

·       In the book, researcher Jussila explains in detail, among other things, how the northern lights are created and how they are photographed. The book also includes photos of the northern lights taken by Jussila.

Kaila, Kari. 1998. Northern Lights – From Folklore to Research. Gummerus Publishing House Oy.

Writer, docent and researcher Kaila presents a diverse range of information about the history of the Northern Lights and the folk beliefs associated with them.

·       Luhta, Jorma and Paasonen, Seija. 2019. Northern Lights. Maahenki Oy. 2nd edition.

·       The book includes photographs of the northern lights taken by photographer Luhda and information from meteorologist Paasanen, including information on how the northern lights are created and what beliefs are associated with them.

Nevanlinna, Heikki. 1997. Northern Lights – Myth and Reality. Finnish Meteorological Institute – Geophysical Research. 2nd edition.

·       The publication tells you, among other things, where and when the northern lights are most likely to be seen.

Pirttimaa, Markku and Valtaoja, Esko. 2011. The Dancing Northern Lights. Mäntykustannus Oy.

·       The book contains photos of the northern lights taken by nature photographer Pirttimaa, complemented by informative texts by astronomer Valtaoja.

Turunen, Pertti (photos), Linnilä, Kai and Savikko (text), Sari. 2011. Lapin Valot. Oy Amanita Ltd.

·       An illustrated book. The book contains pictures and information about the landscapes and light phenomena of Lapland, one of which is the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights photos on our website were taken by photographer Tobias Bjørkli