The History of Norwegian Independence Day
Norwegian Independence day is celebrated every May 17 in Norway. The constitution day, also known as Syttende Mai, is an official public holiday celebrating the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814. Passing in a unanimous vote, it was then signed the following day on may 17 of that year. It declared Norway to be an independent nation after 400 years of danish rule. Norway being under the same rule as Sweden at the time in union under King Karl Johan, was not able to celebrate freely though. The festivities were banned from 1820 until 1829. The first time Norway was able to freely celebrate their constitution day wouldn’t be until 1833 where Norwegian poet Henrique Wergeland delivered a public speech.
In 1870, the day began to turn into what it is today. Starting with the very first children’s parade held in Christiania or what is now known to all (after being renamed) as Oslo. Children’s parades are a very big part of the festivities with marching bands and an endless sea of flags waved by those who are so proud to be a part of their country. Constitution day on the syttende Mai is a HUGE celebration to behold. It is the Saint Patrick’s day of Norway!
Norwegian independence Day Celebrations
Moving on to more modern times. Today, if you happen to be in Norway, you will be sure to see everyone getting into the celebration. It starts early in the morning with a big breakfast to start the day. Many will gather and eat breads, eggs, and smoked salmon. And something bubbly for the adults. It is not uncommon to see groups of people starting the occasion outside at 8 in the morning.
The first events of the day are usually the children’s parades (barnetog). This includes the marching bands and children from the local schools. Typically, at least when looking from afar, you look at the capital city of Oslo first. The Royal Family comes out to wave at the children’s parades before lunchtime arrives. This is held at Karl Johans gate. Then soon after is a traditional concert on the Akershus Fortress grounds. Although the event is very much about the people of Norway, visitors are welcome with open arms to join in the festivities. Norwegians are a very welcoming group of people. You would notice this even if you were to only stop through this country for only 24 hours.
New Traditions
Something new has now happened in Bergen. During 2020 while restrictions of gatherings were high, locals found a way through it all. A boat parade was held to mark the day while following these guidelines. The event was so successful that it has happened every year since and is now a permanent event in the day. Norwegians do so love their boats! It is from now on held in the Byfjord in Bergen.
The Food
There are endless amounts of food available, but the most common is ice cream! Norwegians love their sweets. There is a variety of sweet treats available but ice cream is, just like the rest of the world, a celebratory occasion. And sometimes not.
Another main food attraction that, I learned about through my grandma who would visit every year that she could for this special day, is pølse. It is a traditional Norwegian hot dog. It seems like an unusual thing coming from an American to hear that a hot dog is a food for an occasion, but it is what the hot dog rests in that makes it especially Norwegian. A pølse is a hot dog in a flatbread wrap or lompe. This is made from a mix of potatoes and flour. It gives you a real “meat and potatoes” meal a new definition.
And of course, you cannot forget the alcohol. Norwegians are very interested in imports such as champaign for special occasions, but there is of course, the traditional drink of Norway known as Aquavit! It is similar to gin in that it requires a few rules. Gin necessitates a base flavor of juniper berries to give it that familiar flavor. Whereas aquavit is based on caraway or dill. It is a delicious flavor. I will say it is also a seemingly acquired taste. I brought a bottle to a friends wedding years ago and I was told that “it tastes a bit like diesel.” I assure you that it does not. But I admit that it does require a liking for a botanical flavor.
The Bunad
This is Norways traditional costume. Similar to the Scottish kilt, it indicates where a Norwegians ancestry lies. Each Bunad has its own ties to its region. Garnered by brooches, detailed embroidery, and made from wool. Each Bunad stands with its own unique design. This came from the times when Norway and Sweden, as a result of the industrial revolution, started to wear the same clothes. Most of them being farmers. They then started to design them in ways to signify their difference and where they were from. A lot like how fashion tends to work. The Bunad is reconstructed now from old folk traditions and is popularly worn by the general public in times of celebration.
Later on in the day
As we reach the close of an eventful day of playful happiness the gatherings are still very much alive. There were of course coffee breaks. This is scandinavia after all. They love their coffee and treats. But the gatherings are not boisterous or violent even with all of the drinking that may have occurred. They are more familial and community based. The air is filled with laughter and joy and the smell of a grill as well as a few cakes. Just as in america, Norwegians celebrate with a good old fashioned barbecue with your choice of what goes on it, and homemade cakes filled with fresh berries and cream. In my personal experience, we had picked currant berries from my grandmas cousin Marit Løvvig’s garden, tossed them in sugar and ate them with a spoon.
Kos Deg
End of the day. After a long day of fun filled games and events, Norwegians like to kick their shoes off and get cozy. Experience some hygge. Relax and look forward to the next year. They are optimists and I love them very much for it. There does not need to be negativity at this time. Just happiness in the moment.
It is important to me that my writing is knowledgable and accurate. And while my thoughts and writings are my own, I did conduct research for this post have have created a citation list, with hyperlinks below:
- Nikel, David. “Norway National Day: What to Expect on 17 May This Year”. Life in Norway: Living in Norway. 8 May, 2023. https://www.lifeinnorway.net/norway-national-day-this-year/
- “Norway’s national day: 17th of May | The Norwegian Constitution Day” . Visit Norway. 28 April, 2023. https://www.visitnorway.com/typically-norwegian/norways-national-day/