Celebrate Constitution Day in Norway (May 17, 2024)

Constitution Day, celebrated on the 17th of May, is a cherished holiday in Norway, marking the nation’s independence. Commonly known as Syttende mai, which simply means “Seventeenth of May”, it’s also referred to as Nasjonaldagen (National Day) and sometimes Grunnlovsdagen (Constitution Day), though this term isn’t as widely used.

On this day, you’ll find Norwegians donning their traditional costumes, called bunad, and taking to the streets in vibrant parades. It’s a day filled with joy where the air is sweet with the scent of waffles, and laughter echoes from children enjoying various games. Hot dogs and ice cream are the treats of choice, symbolizing a break from the everyday and a dive into celebration. It’s a day where the community comes together, young and old, to honor their history and revel in national pride.

Table of Contents

• History of Constitution Day in Norway
• Children’s Parades
• Additional Celebrations
• Russ
• Celebration Across the Country
• Henrik Wergeland
• Military Participation
• An Inclusive Holiday

History of Constitution Day in Norway

On May 17, 1814, Norway made history by signing a constitution in Eidsvoll, declaring itself a free nation. This was a bold move to maintain independence after losing to the forces of Napoleon, which also led to a partnership with Sweden.

The tradition of celebrating this special day started early, mostly among students. But back then, Norway and Sweden were like two countries led by one king, and the Swedish king wasn’t too happy about these festivities. He even banned them in the 1820s, thinking they were a form of rebellion. But after a big public fuss in 1829, he had no choice but to let the celebrations happen.

It wasn’t until 1833 that people started giving speeches and having official celebrations. They gathered around a statue of Christian Krohg, a man known for keeping the king’s power in check. Henrik Wergeland gave a speech that year, and the king sent someone to listen in and report back.

The celebrations really took off in 1864 with the first parade for kids in Christiania (now Oslo), which at first was just for boys. It was inspired by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, although Wergeland had done something similar years before. Girls joined the parade in 1899, and by 1905, when Norway and Sweden went their separate ways, Norway got a new king, Haakon VII, and the day became a full-blown national holiday.

During World War II, Norway was taken over by the Nazis, and celebrating May 17th was strictly banned. But when Norway was freed on May 8, 1945, the Norwegian flag became a powerful symbol of liberty.

Interestingly, the war ended in Norway just nine days before Constitution Day. While May 8th isn’t a big holiday, May 17th has become even more meaningful, now also representing the triumph over the Nazis.

Children’s Parades

Norway’s Constitution Day stands out for its peaceful spirit, highlighted by colorful children’s parades rather than military displays. Across the country, these parades are the heart of the festivities, with each school district organizing its own, complete with music from marching bands. The children march through their neighborhoods, often stopping to honor the elderly and remember heroes at war memorials.

The largest of these parades unfolds in Oslo, drawing around 100,000 participants to the city’s core. This grand event is televised, showcasing the elaborate costumes and banners, and features updates from celebrations nationwide. Over 100 schools join this Oslo parade, which passes by the royal palace, where the royal family waves to the crowds from their balcony.

A typical school parade includes older students leading with the school banner, followed by others waving the Norwegian flag, and the school band setting the musical backdrop. The younger children follow, waving smaller flags and carrying banners they’ve made themselves. Even the little ones from nearby kindergartens are often part of the fun. As the parade moves along, it’s common for onlookers to fall in line and join the procession back to the school.

The route may include stops at significant local landmarks like nursing homes or memorials. In Oslo, a special pause is made at the Royal Palace, and in Asker, the parade traditionally passes by Skaugum, the crown prince’s residence.

Amidst the parade, bands play and children sing songs celebrating their national pride. The event culminates with everyone singing the national anthem, “Ja, vi elsker dette landet,” and the royal anthem, “Kongesangen.”

The day is also marked by the wearing of red, white, and blue ribbons, reflecting the colors of the Norwegian flag. Recently, it’s become increasingly popular for people of all ages to wear the national dress, the bunad. Children express their joy by shouting “Hurra!”, singing, and making noise with whistles and rattles.

Additional Celebrations

Throughout Norway, the day begins with tributes at war memorials and statues of national figures, where people lay wreaths and give speeches to honor those who have served their country. In some places, like Oslo, a ceremonial gun salute is fired at noon.

The festivities include not only the children’s parades but also community parades (borgertog) that everyone can join. These parades, often led by marching bands, scouts, local choirs, and various organizations, take place either in the early morning or afternoon, around the school parades.

Speeches are a staple of both the beginning and end of these parades, delivered by adults and older children alike. Once the parades conclude, the focus shifts to fun and games for the kids, with plenty of ice cream, soda, candy, and hot dogs to go around, making for a day filled with joy and community spirit.

Russ

In Norway, the russ, or graduating high school seniors, have a unique way of celebrating Constitution Day on May 17th. They start their festivities by staying up throughout the night, visiting various places in their community. Later in the afternoon, around 4 or 5 pm, they hold their own special parades.

During these parades, the russ carry signs and banners, often humorously commenting on local and political issues. However, this tradition has seen a decline in recent years, with fewer such displays, partly because the police have been encouraging more subdued celebrations. Despite this, the spirit of the russ remains a vibrant part of Norway’s national day, as they mark the end of their secondary education and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Celebration Across the Country

Constitution Day in Norway is a vibrant tapestry of local traditions and national pride, celebrated everywhere from quaint villages to bustling cities.

In Oslo, the heart of the nation, schoolchildren march in a grand parade past the Royal Palace, sharing a special moment with the royal family. In Asker, just outside the capital, youngsters start their day at the Crown Prince’s residence, Skaugum Estate, before joining the larger Oslo parade.

Bergen adds its unique flair with comic acts and the traditional buekorps – marching youth brigades. Trondheim sees its streets filled with children in the morning, followed by a diverse “Citizens Parade” featuring local groups and organizations.

Stavanger kicks off the day with a morning salute, followed by a series of parades, including one featuring international flags, symbolizing the city’s global spirit. Kristiansand wraps up the festivities with a ceremonial run and a dazzling fireworks show, capped off with jazz music playing into the night.

Across the country, streets come alive with people of all ages in festive dress, enjoying treats like ice cream, hot dogs, and kebabs. Local communities host their own laid-back gatherings, complete with friendly games for kids.

May 17th is a day when everyone, locals and visitors alike, can immerse themselves in the joyous spirit of Norway’s National Day.

Henrik Wergeland

Henrik Wergeland, a revered poet, played a pivotal role in shaping Norway’s Constitution Day into a celebration for the youth, emphasizing the idea that children represent the nation’s future and, by extension, its patriotic pride. The day is marked more by the fluttering of flags and the joy of music than by military displays.

In a symbolic gesture of respect, high school graduates in Oslo, known as russ, honor Wergeland by placing an oversized hat on his statue near the Storting (Parliament). Additionally, in recognition of Wergeland’s advocacy for their rights, the Jewish community lays a wreath at his gravesite each year on this day. These acts of remembrance highlight the enduring impact of Wergeland’s legacy on Norwegian society and the inclusive spirit of the celebrations.

Military Participation

Norway’s Constitution Day is truly a celebration by the people, with only a modest show of military presence.

In Oslo, the capital, the Royal Guard adds to the festivities with their precise drills and musical performances on the city’s main thoroughfare. They also join the children’s parade, where their black uniforms and flawless routines are a crowd favorite.

Meanwhile, in Bergen, the Forsvarets Musikkorps Vestlandet (Norwegian Armed Forces’ Music Corps Western Norway) leads the way, accompanied by military units. Their participation brings a touch of solemnity and tradition to the otherwise jubilant civic processions.

These elements of military involvement serve to honor Norway’s heritage and independence, while the focus remains on the joyous participation of the people.

An Inclusive Holiday

Norway’s Constitution Day has evolved into a celebration that embraces the country’s ethnic diversity, thanks to several key factors:

• The children’s parade is at the heart of the festivities, involving schoolchildren and their families, symbolizing unity and inclusion.
• The focus on local schools and their parades emphasizes community and participation from all walks of life.
• The parades aim to reach every corner of the community, spreading the joy and spirit of the day far and wide.
• There’s a deliberate low emphasis on government officials during the celebrations, with the spotlight instead on the Royal Palace and the royal family, reflecting a non-political nature of the day.
• The absence of military displays underscores the peaceful and celebratory essence of the day.

The day is also a time to reflect on the values of freedom, equality, and fraternity – the pillars of the Norwegian constitution – and to give thanks for the historical events that shaped the nation.

Debates have arisen over the inclusion of foreign flags in the parades, highlighting the tension between national pride and multicultural inclusivity. In Oslo, a 2008 ban on foreign flags was reversed by the mayor, and similar discussions have occurred in other cities. In Ålesund, a 2013 decision to prohibit handmade paper flags representing other nations was also overturned, demonstrating a commitment to an inclusive celebration that acknowledges Norway’s diverse society.

Source: https://bit.ly/3WGr6Al