I remember hearing a sarcastic non Norwegian politician saying "It is nice to see the children saluting their leaders" on the 17th of May. Originally May 17th was the day the Norwegian constitution was signed. Later a tradition of celebration started via Henrik Wergeland's work. Wergeland being a national poet believing in the nation building project, trying to take Norway from a small country on the outskirts of Europe to an independent state.
Wergeland started a celebration for children and you find a parade of schoolchildren in every town - in Oslo it culminates in front of the castle, the children waving to the king and queen. In my time, we used to shout the king's first name when passing the castle, no your majesty or anything, just his first name.
People dress up in their finery, enjoying time with their family on the 17th of May, the bunad (Norwegian folk costume) being dress or suit of choice. I love Wergeland's vision, his poetry and the sweet memories of the day from my childhood. |
