Which traditional spiritual practices have continued in Greenland?
While Evangelical Lutheranism is the official religion of Greenland, traditional spiritual practices continue to be observed by a small minority of the population. These practices are rooted in animism, a belief system in which all thingsāanimate or otherwiseāare considered to possess a living essence or soul.12
Historically, these traditions involved a deep connection to the spirit world, often facilitated by shamans (known as angakok), who were sought out to heal the sick, predict the future, and locate game. While these traditional beliefs have largely been superseded by Christianity, elements of this heritage persist. For example, drum dancing, which was once central to shamanistic exhibitions and communal rituals, remains a popular and important part of contemporary Greenlandic cultural life.234