Last modified: 2006-09-23 by phil nelson
Keywords: karasjok | karasjoga | flame | fire |
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by Jan Oskar Engene, 27
April 2002
Approved on 27 June 1986.
See also:
On 27 June 1986 a Royal resolution approved arms and flag for Karasjok/Kárásjoga
municipality in Finnmark county. The flag is defined as "In red three
yellow flames with five tongues, two over one." According to Norske kommunevĺpen [c2j87] flames were chosen as charge because fire
is an important condition for sustaining life, especially on a mountain plateau
like the one Karasjok/Kárásjoga is situated in and where a significant part of
the population long had a nomadic way of life, partly still sustained by Saami
reindeer herders. The fire is also the point around which people gather and it
is a guard against dangers. According to Norske kommunevĺpen
the flag contains three flames, not only to fill out the field as is required by
the norms of heraldry, but also to suggest that Karasjok/Kárásjoga is a place
where three peoples live: the Saami, Norwegians and Finns. This is also partly
reflected in the name of the municipality: The name is Karasjok in Norwegian and
Kárásjoga in Saami, both versions are official.
Jan Oskar Engene, 27 April 2002
I do not believe Karasjohka is the Finnish form of the name. It is a Saami
name. Though I am not sure, I believe there may have been a change in spelling
at some point and that the spelling is now Kárásjoga.
Jan Oskar Engene, 28 April 2002
The three flames symbolize the union of the three peoples; Saami, Norwegians and "Kvćns". "Kvćns" are originally from Finland, but have adapted into Saami ways of life. They are therefore technically neither Finns or Saami.
As for the correct spelling and questions about Finnish spelling being discussed, I have the following information to clear up confusion:
So basically, Kárá'joga Gielda means "Karasjok's Commune", whilst
the village is named Karasjok. Saami grammar makes it turn in to "Kárá'sjoga",
while English grammar would only add the apostrophe and an s, as in Karasjok's.
Jens Petter Kĺven, 20 January 2004
Official blazon in Norwegian: "I rřdt tre femtungede gule flamer, 2-1."
Blazoned in English: "Gules three five-tongued flames or two and
one."
English blazon by Joe McMillan, 30 July 2002