In pictures: More than a sleigh ride
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Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen may be a little tied up this time of year but that didn't stop Vincent Hayes and his family from County Meath, Ireland, enjoying the speed of Rudolph's cousins. -
Arriving in the Arctic Circle for the first time means a brief cleansing ceremony to rid the visitor of "bad blood". This takes place in a kota - a teepee-like hut. -
An antler mark is also made upon the forehead so that the person can be recognised in a future life as coming from Lapland. -
For much of the year the 200,000 reindeer in Finnish Lapland roam freely, eating constantly. The herdsmen perform two round-ups a year, with the first taking place in spring when the calves are born. -
The new births boost the population to approximately 300,000. Fences are put up in the woods so that the reindeer can be kept together for tagging – it is assumed that calves follow their mothers – therefore denoting ownership. -
A mark is cut into the reindeer's ear. There are different marks for different herdsmen. After marking they are set free until the second round-up, which takes place in October. -
Meat is the main source of income for the reindeer herdsman. The second round-up happens when the reindeer have put on extra fat for the winter through a diet of mushrooms, berries and lichen. -
The fat deposits are mainly on the animal's back and the meat remains very lean. -
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, but the females drop their antlers after pregnancy while the males retain theirs until the beginning of winter. -
The antlers are not wasted but are used in Lappish handicraft items such as leuku knives and jewellery. -
The reindeer bone is incredibly hard and any carving takes a long time. -
Each symbol is traditional and many of the crafts are reminders of the importance of the reindeer in the history and culture of the Finnish Sami – the indigenous people.