As a child growing up in a Norwegian family, with grandparents who were members of Sons of Norway, 17.mai has been a Norwegian celebration that I have been aware of since a young age and also had the opportunity to celebrate. This was brought to a new level, however, when I had the opportunity to take part in the celebration in Oslo.
After working on learning the Norwegian language and culture for over 12 years, it was exciting for me to see the pride that Norwegians have for their country. I was overwhelmed with the sense of nationalism they project on this day.
As we got off the tram and walked up Karl Johans Gate toward the palace of the royal family, we saw marching bands, groups performing native dances, and people, young and old, wearing their bunads. It was particularly enjoyable for me to see the children dressed in their native costumes.
The 17th of May is an official holiday which is celebrated each year. The Constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll in 1814 on this day. Today, there is a parade which processes along the palace, so that the people of the country can wave at the royal family, who stand on a balcony overlooking the parade.
17.mai is an opportunity for Norwegians (both living in Norway and with Norwegian ancestry) to display their pride in their country. Their national anthem begins with the (translated from Norsk to English) line, “Yes, we love this land.” This love is instilled at a young age and continues throughout their lives.
After working on learning the Norwegian language and culture for over 12 years, it was exciting for me to see the pride that Norwegians have for their country. I was overwhelmed with the sense of nationalism they project on this day.
As we got off the tram and walked up Karl Johans Gate toward the palace of the royal family, we saw marching bands, groups performing native dances, and people, young and old, wearing their bunads. It was particularly enjoyable for me to see the children dressed in their native costumes.
The 17th of May is an official holiday which is celebrated each year. The Constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll in 1814 on this day. Today, there is a parade which processes along the palace, so that the people of the country can wave at the royal family, who stand on a balcony overlooking the parade.
17.mai is an opportunity for Norwegians (both living in Norway and with Norwegian ancestry) to display their pride in their country. Their national anthem begins with the (translated from Norsk to English) line, “Yes, we love this land.” This love is instilled at a young age and continues throughout their lives.
Pictures and Text by Erin Josephson
ReplyDeleteThe 17th of May felt like the 4th of July in the United States. There where people everywhere out celebrating with thier friends and family. The parade that we went to in the morning was fun becuase we got to see kids from the differnet schools dressed in the national costumes waving the Norwegin flag.
ReplyDelete-Brittany
There is a stark contrast to be made between the U.S. and Norway in the category of paths to independence. The United States fought a long and bloody war with England which cost tens of thousands of lives, whereas when Norway declared its freedom from Sweden in 1905 it did so without a shot being fired or a person being hurt, quite a peaceful transition of power really. Perhaps this is insight to how these countries behave today.
ReplyDeleteThat was Ross BTW
ReplyDelete